I've never been a seventh grade boy, but I'd have to say that reading Gary Schmidt's Wednesday Wars gave me as clear a picture as I could get about being twelve in the late 1960's. Issues such as the Vietnam War, family relationships, and disillusionment with childhood heroes mingle with the typical challenges a kid in junior high faces: conflict with bullies, middle school romance, and the all-important reputation. Tying them all together? Shakespeare.
Holling Hoodhood is convinced that his homeroom teacher, Mrs. Baker, hates his guts. On Wednesday afternoons, while his Jewish classmates attend Hebrew study and his Catholic classmates attend Catechism, Holling, the lone Presbyterian, is left to suffer his teacher's scrutiny as well as her chores. Somewhere along the way, Mrs. Baker decides that reading Shakespeare together will be a far more worthwhile use of their afternoons together. While initially intrigued only by Shakespeare's colorful curses and insults, Holling comes to genuinely enjoy the Bard's tales and beyond that, finds life application as he navigates junior high.
This book had me both laughing and crying, by turns. Which is absolutely my favorite kind of book to read.
BOTTOM LINE: A southwest blow on ye and blister you all o'er if you choose never to read this book. It would make you pied ninny.
