The Wednesday Wars : A Newbery Honor Award Winner

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 1968-1969 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.