The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt is about a boy named Holling Hoodhood and his struggles at school with his teacher Mrs. Baker who "hates his guts". The year is 1967 and there are many struggles outside of school that Holling has to deal with such as the Vietnam War, the assassination of Bobby Kennedy, and his father who cares nothing about anything but his own work. While in school Wednesdays become the day that Holling has to read poetry, Shakespeare, in class for Mrs. Baker. He is the only one who has to do this because all the other kids leave for church activity's. As school goes on Holling and Mrs. Baker become closer and things get better for Holling as Mrs. Baker seems to rescue Holling on occasion from certain downfalls, including Mickey Mantle, a heroic event, and a nearly missed Yankees game. Mrs. Baker has her own problems as well as news reports show how a downed helicopter is missing a marine, her husband Lt. Baker. Outside of school Holling has trouble with his mean older sister as well, but his relationship with her becomes much better as well because he is there to support her when she has problems, including needing money, the assassination of Bobby Kennedy, and general support since their father is so self centered.
The book started off really slow. It was an interesting book with problems arising everywhere and situations being resolved. I would recommend this book for people to read because it is an award winner and would stick out to people especially to those who may relate to the era.
You mentioned that it would stick out to those who could relate to the era. Since it appears to be a middle grades novel, many from the target audience won't necessarily relate to the era. Do you think they will still like it? Why do you think it received award recognition?
ReplyDeleteI think that I would enjoy this book. Even though I did not grow up in this era, I can relate to the idea of the teacher and the student having separate difficulties but coming together to boost the other. Ian didn't explicitly say that the teacher benefited from the exchange, but I feel that any time a teacher can see a student's improvement it is uplifting. I think that students would also be able to connect to these elements of the story, as well as family stress and the mean older sister.
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