About the book
In this Newbery Honor–winning novel, Gary D. Schmidt tells the witty and compelling story of a teenage boy who feels that fate has it in for him, during the school year 1968-69.
Seventh grader Holling Hoodhood isn't happy. He is sure his new teacher, Mrs. Baker, hates his guts. Holling's domineering father is obsessed with his business image and disregards his family. Throughout the school year, Holling strives to get a handle on the Shakespeare plays Mrs. Baker assigns him to read on his own time, and to figure out the enigmatic Mrs. Baker. As the Vietnam War turns lives upside down, Holling comes to admire and respect both Shakespeare and Mrs. Baker, who have more to offer him than he imagined. And when his family is on the verge of coming apart, he also discovers his loyalty to his sister, and his ability to stand up to his father when it matters most.
For Holling Hoodhood, seventh grade is a series of disasters waiting to happen.
- Unlikely Friendship: Mrs. Baker is supposed to hate Holling’s guts. So why is she teaching him Shakespeare, helping him with his running, and showing up at Yankee Stadium?
- Shakespeare for Kids: From The Tempest’s curses to Romeo and Juliet’s tragedy, Holling has to survive the plays of William Shakespeare... and maybe even learn something from them.
- The Vietnam War Era: While atomic bomb drills happen at school and Walter Cronkite reports on the war every night, Holling learns that the conflicts overseas have a way of hitting close to home.
- Finding Your Voice: Between disastrous cream puffs, yellow fairy tights, and a domineering father, Holling has to figure out who he is and what it’s like to stand up for what’s right.
Editions of Wednesday Wars
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780547237602
- EBook
- ISBN 9780547346243
Read an Excerpt
In this Newbery Honor–winning novel, Gary D. Schmidt tells the witty and compelling story of a teenage boy who feels that fate has it in for him, during the school year 1968-69.
Seventh grader Holling Hoodhood isn't happy. He is sure his new teacher, Mrs. Baker, hates his guts. Holling's domineering father is obsessed with his business image and disregards his family. Throughout the school year, Holling strives to get a handle on the Shakespeare plays Mrs. Baker assigns him to read on his own time, and to figure out the enigmatic Mrs. Baker. As the Vietnam War turns lives upside down, Holling comes to admire and respect both Shakespeare and Mrs. Baker, who have more to offer him than he imagined. And when his family is on the verge of coming apart, he also discovers his loyalty to his sister, and his ability to stand up to his father when it matters most.
For Holling Hoodhood, seventh grade is a series of disasters waiting to happen.
- Unlikely Friendship: Mrs. Baker is supposed to hate Holling’s guts. So why is she teaching him Shakespeare, helping him with his running, and showing up at Yankee Stadium?
- Shakespeare for Kids: From The Tempest’s curses to Romeo and Juliet’s tragedy, Holling has to survive the plays of William Shakespeare... and maybe even learn something from them.
- The Vietnam War Era: While atomic bomb drills happen at school and Walter Cronkite reports on the war every night, Holling learns that the conflicts overseas have a way of hitting close to home.
- Finding Your Voice: Between disastrous cream puffs, yellow fairy tights, and a domineering father, Holling has to figure out who he is and what it’s like to stand up for what’s right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wednesday Wars about?
In this Newbery Honor–winning novel, Gary D. Schmidt tells the witty and compelling story of a teenage boy who feels that fate has it in for him, during the school year 1968-69.
Seventh grader Holling Hoodhood isn't happy. He is sure his new teacher, Mrs. Baker, hates his guts. Holling's domineering father is obsessed with his business image and disregards his family. Throughout the school year, Holling strives to get a handle on the Shakespeare plays Mrs. Baker assigns him to read on his own time, and to figure out the enigmatic Mrs. Baker. As the Vietnam War turns lives upside down, Holling comes to admire and respect both Shakespeare and Mrs. Baker, who have more to offer him than he imagined. And when his family is on the verge of coming apart, he also discovers his loyalty to his sister, and his ability to stand up to his father when it matters most.
For Holling Hoodhood, seventh grade is a series of disasters waiting to happen.
- Unlikely Friendship: Mrs. Baker is supposed to hate Holling’s guts. So why is she teaching him Shakespeare, helping him with his running, and showing up at Yankee Stadium?
- Shakespeare for Kids: From The Tempest’s curses to Romeo and Juliet’s tragedy, Holling has to survive the plays of William Shakespeare... and maybe even learn something from them.
- The Vietnam War Era: While atomic bomb drills happen at school and Walter Cronkite reports on the war every night, Holling learns that the conflicts overseas have a way of hitting close to home.
- Finding Your Voice: Between disastrous cream puffs, yellow fairy tights, and a domineering father, Holling has to figure out who he is and what it’s like to stand up for what’s right.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Wednesday Wars?
Children’s, Teenage and Educational > Children’s / Teenage: Personal and social topics > Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Self-awareness and self-esteem
Where can I read a sample of Wednesday Wars?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780547237602
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Wednesday Wars?
Gary D. Schmidt
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Wednesday Wars is available as paperback(ISBN 9780547237602) and ebook(ISBN 9780547346243)
Where can I buy Wednesday Wars online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Wednesday Wars from below
Where can I buy Wednesday Wars?