THE WEDNESDAY WARS

1.    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Schmidt, Gary D. 2007. THE WEDNESDAY WARS. New York, NY : Sandpiper. ISBN 978-0-618-72483-3

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Schmidt has written a funny and entertaining comedy that gradually introduces the reader to some of the history of the Vietnam War from the viewpoint of a seventh grade boy named Holling Hoodhood. Holling begins his school year as normal, but realizes quickly that his homeroom teacher Mrs. Baker hates him even though he isn’t the type of kid that teachers hate. Holling faces many new experiences and challenges as he finds new perspective on life all while learning Shakespeare.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This story is an easy gentle read that starts with a simple life problem and cleverly evolves to incorporating current events of the time such as the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and the new outrageous contract agreements of famous baseball players. Schmidt layers in details and wraps them into the story to make them pertinent to the main character and other characters.

Holling evolves throughout the months (chapters) by experiencing new situations with friends, classmates, and even Mrs. Baker. Mrs. Baker introduces Holling to Shakespeare and prods him along as he learns to interpret and apply Shakespeare to his own life. The story follows Hollining’s day to day adventures and experiences and by the end the story has become its own comedy with Hoodhood as the star that has chosen and is still choosing his projection through life. The details are accurate and interesting without being overbearing to the story and allow the plot to thicken and develop without getting caught up in tedious information that may bore a young reader.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “…first-person narration perfectly captures Holling's progression from an angst-filled yet innocent boy, to a wiser, self-aware young man.”

BOOKLIST: “…with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, who Holling is convinced hates his guts. He feels more certain after Mrs. Baker assigns Shakespeare's plays for Holling to discuss during their shared afternoons.”

5. CONNECTIONS 

*This book would be a great way to get students interested in the Vietnam War, Hippies, and even Shakespeare.  This book could be read to spur interest in these topics and prompt discussions and further readings.

*Similar Books:

Kadohata, Cynthia. CRACKER! THE BEST DOG IN VIETNAM.  ISBN 978-1416906384