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bandralynn 's review for:
The Wednesday Wars
by Gary D. Schmidt
Oh my gosh, this book was SO GOOD! I think I may have liked it even better than Okay For Now. But that's probably because Holling's inspiration was Shakespeare, so my English-major sensibilities were very much catered to.
I must say that I love Holling Hoodhood. He has spunk and character and I loved watching him figure out how to get what he wants and stand up for what he believes in. I loved how Holling has what would seem to be the perfect family that isn't so perfect once you get past the flawless exterior. I wanted to punch Mr. Hoodhood in the face on multiple occasions.
I also love Mrs. Baker. I love how she takes Holling under her wing and takes care of him in ways that he didn't really know he needed. And the way the Vietnam war is wrapped into this story of a seventh grader and his friends and teachers is lovely.
What I love about Gary D. Schmidt's books is how there really is no plot. There isn't much of a story. There's just a kid who has some problems and is trying to figure out how to deal with them. There's a kid who's learning how to become himself. There's a kid who wants to grow up but doesn't quite know how. And there are the people around the kid who come from unexpected places to help him deal with problems and become himself and grow up. The stories are beautiful in their simplicity, and the character development is stellar. I have definitely found a new favorite author.
I must say that I love Holling Hoodhood. He has spunk and character and I loved watching him figure out how to get what he wants and stand up for what he believes in. I loved how Holling has what would seem to be the perfect family that isn't so perfect once you get past the flawless exterior. I wanted to punch Mr. Hoodhood in the face on multiple occasions.
I also love Mrs. Baker. I love how she takes Holling under her wing and takes care of him in ways that he didn't really know he needed. And the way the Vietnam war is wrapped into this story of a seventh grader and his friends and teachers is lovely.
What I love about Gary D. Schmidt's books is how there really is no plot. There isn't much of a story. There's just a kid who has some problems and is trying to figure out how to deal with them. There's a kid who's learning how to become himself. There's a kid who wants to grow up but doesn't quite know how. And there are the people around the kid who come from unexpected places to help him deal with problems and become himself and grow up. The stories are beautiful in their simplicity, and the character development is stellar. I have definitely found a new favorite author.