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danoreading's review
5.0
"That's when I knew she hated me. This look came over her face like the sun had winked out and was not going to shine again until next June."
Delightful story about a boy named Holling Hoodhood and his teacher Mrs. Baker. Since Holling is the only student in his class who is neither Jewish nor Catholic, and thus is not sent away on Wednesday afternoons to Hebrew or catechism lessons, he is stuck with his teacher Mrs. Baker. She decides Holling's Wednesday afternoons are best spent learning Shakespeare. Much hilarity and some true sadness ensues. The book is set in the middle of the Vietnam War, so there's quite a bit of politics and history going on in this one. The characters, especially of Holling, his sister, and Mrs. Baker, are amazing; the book is laugh-out-loud funny in some parts and absolutely gut-wrenching in others. I can't really express how much I loved this one.
Delightful story about a boy named Holling Hoodhood and his teacher Mrs. Baker. Since Holling is the only student in his class who is neither Jewish nor Catholic, and thus is not sent away on Wednesday afternoons to Hebrew or catechism lessons, he is stuck with his teacher Mrs. Baker. She decides Holling's Wednesday afternoons are best spent learning Shakespeare. Much hilarity and some true sadness ensues. The book is set in the middle of the Vietnam War, so there's quite a bit of politics and history going on in this one. The characters, especially of Holling, his sister, and Mrs. Baker, are amazing; the book is laugh-out-loud funny in some parts and absolutely gut-wrenching in others. I can't really express how much I loved this one.
meginsanity's review
4.0
I apparently am on a roll with books about adorable young teenagers. Holling reminded me a lot of T.C. from [b:My Most Excellent Year|1189878|My Most Excellent Year|Steve Kluger|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1241660539s/1189878.jpg|1177883] - heck, he could have been T.C.'s dad, given the time period in which this book is set. Except for the Yankees thing.
This book has a lot of charm to it, along with a really nice historical setting that seemed pretty genuine to my I-wasn't-around-then eyes. It wasn't glaring and it's the type of book that a teenager could read and then recognize the references later if they ever manage to get to the Vietnam War/Civil Rights era in history classes.
Like [b:My Most Excellent Year|1189878|My Most Excellent Year|Steve Kluger|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1241660539s/1189878.jpg|1177883], it's a bit fantastical at times with how well everything works out and how sweet (mostly) everyone is. Definitely an enjoyable read, though.
This book has a lot of charm to it, along with a really nice historical setting that seemed pretty genuine to my I-wasn't-around-then eyes. It wasn't glaring and it's the type of book that a teenager could read and then recognize the references later if they ever manage to get to the Vietnam War/Civil Rights era in history classes.
Like [b:My Most Excellent Year|1189878|My Most Excellent Year|Steve Kluger|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1241660539s/1189878.jpg|1177883], it's a bit fantastical at times with how well everything works out and how sweet (mostly) everyone is. Definitely an enjoyable read, though.
estherfilbrun's review
5.0
There are some books I find myself intending to read, but never getting around to it until I get a little push at some stage. I got my push with this book when Mom borrowed it from the library—what better time to read it than when we already have it? I’m so glad I did that; this has become my favorite middle-grade read of the year so far.
It took me no time at all to get into the story—and only a few pages to get to the point where I was trying to quell my laughter so I wouldn’t bother others while I read. Holling Hoodhood (which is such a clever name in itself) is the most perceptive, hilarious character, and some of the conclusions he comes to are…interesting, to say the least. The setting is delightful, and the glimpse into my grandparent’s time was fascinating. I loved Holling’s teacher, and his sister, hated his dad, and fell in love with middle-grade books all over again with this story.
In many ways, this isn’t an easy book. It deals with a somewhat dysfunctional family, the Vietnam War, and the hippie movement, and there’s a lot of growth in the main character and other characters throughout the story. This is a book about friendship, and how sometimes we have to sacrifice for others in order to make progress. And somehow, Schmidt pulls it all together into a gripping story.
I absolutely loved this story, and I’m looking forward to reading the sequel at some stage. Deep, yet lighthearted (you can’t miss the part about the rats in the ceiling!), flavored with another time but still relatable, this is a book I’d gladly share with my siblings—I suspect it would become a family favorite if we read it together. Highly recommended!
It took me no time at all to get into the story—and only a few pages to get to the point where I was trying to quell my laughter so I wouldn’t bother others while I read. Holling Hoodhood (which is such a clever name in itself) is the most perceptive, hilarious character, and some of the conclusions he comes to are…interesting, to say the least. The setting is delightful, and the glimpse into my grandparent’s time was fascinating. I loved Holling’s teacher, and his sister, hated his dad, and fell in love with middle-grade books all over again with this story.
In many ways, this isn’t an easy book. It deals with a somewhat dysfunctional family, the Vietnam War, and the hippie movement, and there’s a lot of growth in the main character and other characters throughout the story. This is a book about friendship, and how sometimes we have to sacrifice for others in order to make progress. And somehow, Schmidt pulls it all together into a gripping story.
I absolutely loved this story, and I’m looking forward to reading the sequel at some stage. Deep, yet lighthearted (you can’t miss the part about the rats in the ceiling!), flavored with another time but still relatable, this is a book I’d gladly share with my siblings—I suspect it would become a family favorite if we read it together. Highly recommended!
mhugie2's review
4.0
This was fun, quirky and poignant. I can see why it won a Newbury. This is a book that I think everyone will enjoy and get something out of. I definitely will be going back for a reread.
aylasmart's review
4.0
I really enjoyed reading The Wednesday Wars. At the beginning, Holling was a bit more introverted and did not speak out about his opinions. He also has a very strong feeling that everybody hates him, which he probably gets from his family members who don't seem to care for him much. His dad is very open about wanting everything to be a business deal. Whenever Holling asks him for advice his answer is always something to benefit himself and his company. His mom seems distant and her main goal is to not upset his father. She does as much as she can to stay out of the problems. Meanwhile, his sister creates problems both to upset their father, and to stand up for what she believes in. At first you think his sister may not care for him much, but towards the end it really shows how much she loves him. I did notice that his sister is referred to as "my sister" for most of the book until her name is revealed at the end. I think this shows that he doesn't see her as anyone special until she moves away and he realizes how much he misses her.
Mrs. Baker is such a strong character. I would love to have her as my own teacher. I still don't understand why Holling always seems to assume she hates him when obviously she's doing as much as she can to help him and stop him from getting into trouble.
My favorite scene has to be ANY scene with Danny Hupfer. I loved him so much. I also really loved his parents. The way they took him to DC because they were so proud of him when he stood up for Mai Thai in the cafeteria and got suspended. He's always willing to stand up for his friends even if it might get him in trouble. He stood up for Holling when they weren't even close friends.
Overall this book was very enjoyable. Some parts I found a bit boring but they were pretty easy to get through, and I'm glad I read it.
Mrs. Baker is such a strong character. I would love to have her as my own teacher. I still don't understand why Holling always seems to assume she hates him when obviously she's doing as much as she can to help him and stop him from getting into trouble.
My favorite scene has to be ANY scene with Danny Hupfer. I loved him so much. I also really loved his parents. The way they took him to DC because they were so proud of him when he stood up for Mai Thai in the cafeteria and got suspended. He's always willing to stand up for his friends even if it might get him in trouble. He stood up for Holling when they weren't even close friends.
Overall this book was very enjoyable. Some parts I found a bit boring but they were pretty easy to get through, and I'm glad I read it.
aradne's review
4.0
The Wednesday Wars is one of those underrated books that I wish everyone loved as much as I do.
Holling Hoodhood is the only student in his class who is not Catholic or Jewish, which only becomes apparent when the other students leave for their respective religious studies, and Holling is left alone with his teacher once a week. At first she doesn't know what to do with him, but after a few weeks she decides to have him read Shakespeare. It's amazing.
Holling Hoodhood is the only student in his class who is not Catholic or Jewish, which only becomes apparent when the other students leave for their respective religious studies, and Holling is left alone with his teacher once a week. At first she doesn't know what to do with him, but after a few weeks she decides to have him read Shakespeare. It's amazing.
mongert's review against another edition
4.0
Started as a read aloud with my son. He lost interest, but I really liked this sweet and sad book.
tofubxnnies's review
5.0
this is so so cute. it has all the feels.the last few chapters/months were the best thing ever. mrs. baker is the best teacher next to the teacher from fish in a tree.
lace_m_3's review
5.0
I loved this book. Schmidt has a way of telling an everyday, normal story and turning it into a story you'll fall in love with. His characters are real, funny and 3D. I even got emotional reading a few parts! Can't wait until my kids are old enough to enjoy this book.