The+Wednesday+Wars

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When Holling Hoodhood starts seventh grade, he knows two things for sure. First, he is the son who will one day inherit Hoodhood and Associates (his father’s architecture firm). Second, his new teacher, Mrs. Baker, hates his guts. He first discovers this fact on Wednesday, when the Jewish and Catholic students leave for religious study, and Holling, the only Presbyterian, must stay behind with Mrs. Baker. Mrs. Baker tortures him with meaningless chores each Wednesday, until one day, she comes up with a new punishment. She forces him to read Shakespeare. Through reading and performing Shakespeare, Holling learns two things. First, he can choose to be more than the son who will one day inherit Hoodhood and Associates. Second, Mrs. Baker probably doesn’t hate him. The political and social unrest of the Vietnam era bubble under the surface of this strongly felt coming-of-age novel. Schmidt peppers his deeply funny story with poignant moments of loss, growth and missed chances. Even if some plot twists seem too good to be true (like when Holling gets to play with the Yankees), Holling brings a unique, believable voice that will speak to young and not-so-young readers alike. A beautifully crafted novel about finding hope and strength even in the most uncertain of times. Awards In 2008, to the shock of many, this book beat out Good Masters, Sweet Ladies to win a Newbery award.