The Wednesday Wars

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
Published in 2009 by Sandpiper
272 pages
Warning: This novel contains some brief language
Genre: Comedy, Ages 9-12

Seventh grader Holling Hoodhood, son of local architect, is forced to endure Wednesday afternoon with the dreaded Mrs. Baker while other students attend religious training. Mrs. Baker exposes Holling to Shakespeare during their weekly time together. Little does Holling know, he will come to love Shakespeare and the quotable lines found in the literature. Holling must also put up with his parents who care more for Walter Cronkite then the achievements of Holling, as well as a cranky older sister who could care less about Holling and his life.

The Wednesday Wars is a bright comedy which focuses on the humorous happenings of a young boy growing up in Long Island, New York. Taking place in the late 1960's, the novel provides poignant insights to the Vietnam War as the school Holling attends comforts those in the school community affected by the war. There is also interesting commentary about the treatment of a young student, Mai Thi, a young girl native to Vietnam. The novel teaches appropriate lessons about treating others respectively in a light, fresh and humorous way. Holling and his sister also grow closer in the novel through a series of his sisters rebellious actions.

The book is fun because it also exposes young readers to the humor and interesting plot of Shakespeare. As Holling becomes very familiar with various Shakespeare works, he begins to surround himself by Shakespeare more and more. This book could be used as an introduction to Shakespeare, letting students know that it is in their capability to read Shakespeare. This book could also be used in companion to studying the Vietnam War, and understanding how people were treated wrong during this war.