Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The most nostalgic way to start the new year - a relisten of my favorite YA novel.
A strange, not-what-I-expected book. I couldn't decide if the main character was believable....but it was a very entertaining book, and I liked the characters, believable or not.
This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and I really love his writing! I expect I’ll read all of them eventually. Sweet, hopeful coming-of-age story.
Wow! This is a really great book. If you don't love Holling and Mrs. Baker by the end of this thing, you're a hard-hearted dolt and don't deserve a library card.
Four stars for the most part, but some things I didn't love about the ending that brought my rating down.
The Wednesday Wars tell the story of Holling Hoodhood's 7th grade year in 1967-68 on Long Island, New York. Like many other adolescents his age, Holling has his share of difficulties-- a father with high expectations, a sister he argues with, kids at school who bully him, and his first crush. Holling also is dealing with a problem other students aren't: he is the only Presbyterian in his class. Every Wednesday afternoon, all of Holling's classmates either leave to attend Hebrew classes at the local synagogue, or go to catechism classes at the local Catholic church. This leaves Holling all alone with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, who he is certain hates him. Soon into the year, Mrs. Baker decides to use the Wednesday afternoons to expose Holling to the works of William Shakespeare. During the year, Holling reads Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing, Julius Caesar, and other works. Through his time with Mrs. Baker (who doesn't hate him!), his work with Shakespeare, and other events, Holling begins to learn more about who he is and what is important to him.
This book is set during the Vietnam War, and this plays heavily into the plot of the book as community members are serving in Vietnam and there is a Vietnamese girl attending school in Holling's class because she was brought to America by the Catholic Relief Organization. Historical figures from the time as well as historical events are referenced throughout. Schmidt does a wonderful job of bringing levity to some difficult situations, of painting a setting so that you can imagine being there, and especially of developing characters of depth who the reader comes to care for deeply.
I loved this book and found so much to take from it. It is rich with relevance, important ideas, life lessons, and memorable characters. I will warn that the book has a bit of a slow start. I really felt myself being taken into the story after I had gotten through the first third. The wait is definitely worth it!
This book is set during the Vietnam War, and this plays heavily into the plot of the book as community members are serving in Vietnam and there is a Vietnamese girl attending school in Holling's class because she was brought to America by the Catholic Relief Organization. Historical figures from the time as well as historical events are referenced throughout. Schmidt does a wonderful job of bringing levity to some difficult situations, of painting a setting so that you can imagine being there, and especially of developing characters of depth who the reader comes to care for deeply.
I loved this book and found so much to take from it. It is rich with relevance, important ideas, life lessons, and memorable characters. I will warn that the book has a bit of a slow start. I really felt myself being taken into the story after I had gotten through the first third. The wait is definitely worth it!
Note: This was read as an audio book...
I went into this book, having heard it was good, but not too interested in the subject matter. (late middle school, Vietnam, mean teacher, etc...)
Was I ever proved wrong. Now, I am a 25 year old female, and I love this book. It made me laugh and cry within the same chapter. This book made me want to read Shakespeare and cheer for the Yankees.
Schmidt just has the power to access all of your feelings....well done!!
I went into this book, having heard it was good, but not too interested in the subject matter. (late middle school, Vietnam, mean teacher, etc...)
Was I ever proved wrong. Now, I am a 25 year old female, and I love this book. It made me laugh and cry within the same chapter. This book made me want to read Shakespeare and cheer for the Yankees.
Schmidt just has the power to access all of your feelings....well done!!
Excellent!
A must read for middle grade kids. Hilarious and moving.
A must read for middle grade kids. Hilarious and moving.
A delightful coming of age book with so many clever funny moments. Teenage boy narrators aren't always great, but this one is the perfect balance. A special book that will stay with you for sure.