The Wednesday Wars: A Fun And Inspiring Story With Important Life Lessons

“The Wednesday Wars” by Gary D. Schmidt is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that will have readers of all ages laughing, crying and most importantly learning valuable lessons. Set in a small town during the tumultuous Vietnam War era, this book follows young Holling Hoodhood as he navigates his seventh grade year with his teacher Mrs. Baker, who happens to be Jewish. Throughout this coming-of-age story, Holling discovers the power of friendship and the importance of standing up for what is right against all odds.

With relatable characters and honest dialogue, Schmidt has crafted a timeless story that blends themes of history, prejudice, family and faith into an unforgettable adventure. His writing is witty yet poignant and keeps readers engaged until the very end. Schmidt also touches upon some difficult topics such as war and racism but is able to do so in a way that is accessible and respectful to young readers.

Overall, “The Wednesday Wars” is a fantastic read that should not be missed! It has earned numerous awards including a New York Times Bestseller title and is highly recommended for readers ages 11 and up.

Table of Contents

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt Review

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt: A Fun and Engaging Read for All Ages

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt is a fun and engaging read for all ages. Set during the turbulent times of the Vietnam War, this book follows the story of seventh-grader Holling Hoodhood as he navigates the trials and tribulations of growing up in a tumultuous world. In addition to tackling his own personal struggles, Holling must also find ways to make it through each Wednesday afternoon when all his classmates are dismissed from school but he remains behind due to his religion – making him the “Wednesday war” target of his teacher Mrs Baker.

Key Features:

Heartwarming Storyline: Follow Holling’s journey as he learns more about himself and those around him in this heartwarming tale.

Authentic Characters: Get to know Holling and his family and friends as they deal with life during wartime.

Historical Context: Learn about the Vietnam War through Holling’s eyes as he discovers the truth about world events.

Funny Situations: Enjoy humorous moments as Holling navigates his way through middle school.

This coming-of-age story by Gary D. Schmidt is sure to delight readers of all ages. With its hilarious moments, heartfelt messages, and authentic characters, The Wednesday Wars will keep you invested until the very last page. Pick up your copy today and take a trip back in time!

Product Details

Product Name	Author	Publisher
The Wednesday Wars	Gary D. Schmidt	Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN: 978-0547237602
Product Description
It’s 1967 and Holling Hoodhood, a seventh-grader at Camillo Junior High, has been cast as the awkward protagonist in a series of unreliable narrators—all of them in his own imagination.
Reviews
Average Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (based on 3,082 customer reviews)
Specifications
Paperback: 272 pages Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers; Reprint edition (August 10, 2010) Language: English ISBN-10: 054723760X ISBN-13: 978-0547237602 Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.6 x 5.2 inches Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt Pros and Cons

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt is one of the most beloved books for young readers! With its hilarious, yet heartwarming story, it’s no wonder why it has won multiple awards and accolades.

Pros:
1. A perfect mix of comedy and drama, this book is sure to have both adults and children laughing out loud as they follow the story of seventh-grader Holling Hoodhood through his turbulent 1967 school year.
2. The Wednesday Wars offers a captivating historical narrative that explores the themes of prejudice, loyalty, and identity in an engaging way that will stay with readers long after they have finished the book.
3. Schmidt’s vivid storytelling transports readers back in time to the days of Vietnam War protests and hippie culture, providing an entertaining look at American history from a unique perspective.

Cons:
1. The Wednesday Wars may be too lighthearted for some readers who are looking for more serious literature about war and politics during this era in US history.
2. While the characters are well-developed, some readers may find them too stereotypical or predictable for their tastes.
3. The ending may not satisfy everyone; some readers may feel that it wraps up too quickly or is not satisfying enough given the buildup throughout the novel.

Overall, The Wednesday Wars is an enjoyable read that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure! It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a funny yet thought-provoking book about coming-of-age during a tumultuous time in American history.

Who are They for

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt is an engaging novel that follows the story of seventh-grader Holling Hoodhood, and his struggles as the only Presbyterian student in a predominantly Jewish school.

Holling experiences a series of adventures throughout the book, from being forced to read Shakespeare by his teacher Mrs. Baker to joining a secret club with classmates Meryl Lee and Doug Swieteck, with whom he forms an unlikely friendship. Holling’s relationships and experiences help him grow mentally and emotionally as he learns to appreciate different cultures and values.

This novel takes readers on an emotional roller coaster ride as they experience Holling’s journey through school and life. The characters are well-developed and realistic; readers will be able to relate to Holling’s struggles as he navigates his way through middle school. In addition, this book has won multiple awards, including the Newbery Honor Book Award in 2008, making it one of the most talked about books for young adults in recent years.

Whether you are looking for an inspiring story or just want to take a break from reality, The Wednesday Wars is the perfect choice for any reader looking for an enjoyable read.

My Experience for The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

It all started on a Wednesday, when I was chosen to be the only student in my seventh grade class who didn’t attend Hebrew school. Some might have thought this was an “unfortunate” situation but I knew that it would turn out to be one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

One Wednesday after another, I got to spend my afternoons with Mrs. Baker, my teacher and unexpected friend. She was eccentric and had a wild imagination! We did everything together from playing checkers, reading Shakespeare and exploring some of the greatest mysteries of the world.

The Wednesday Wars wasn’t just about fun though – it was also about learning and growing. Through our conversations and activities, I learned how to think critically, develop empathy and make wise decisions. In addition, Mrs. Baker helped me discover my strengths and weaknesses while teaching me valuable lessons about life.

My Wednesdays with Mrs. Baker were truly magical – full of laughter, adventure and unforgettable memories. If you’re looking for a funny, heartwarming story that will teach you important life lessons then look no further than The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt!

What I don’t Like

1. Lack of diversity in characters: The Wednesday Wars is set in a predominantly white, middle-class community with only a few minority characters featured.
2. Language can be difficult to understand at times: The novel contains a lot of slang and colloquialisms that may make it difficult for some readers to understand the dialogue.
3. Slow pacing: At times, the novel moves slowly as it takes its time introducing and developing each character.
4. Limited plot development: The plot of The Wednesday Wars is fairly straightforward and does not feature any major twists or turns.

How to Develop Critical Thinking Skills with The Wednesday Wars

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt is an excellent novel for young readers. It follows the story of Holling Hoodhood, a young seventh grade student living in Long Island during the Vietnam War era who must confront his own struggles on and off the schoolyard. As Holling navigates his way through school and family life, he learns valuable lessons about resilience and critical thinking skills.

Reading this book can help children develop their own critical thinking skills in a fun and entertaining way. By following Holling’s journey, readers learn how to think analytically and evaluate different situations without bias. They also gain insight into the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions, understanding different perspectives, and making ethical decisions.

This book can help kids practice problem-solving, an essential skill for success in school, work, and life. As they read along, they’ll be encouraged to think critically when presented with difficult situations or opinions that differ from their own. The characters in this book often have to make tough choices and face uncomfortable truths, which provides a great opportunity for readers to develop their problem-solving skills.

In addition to developing critical thinking skills, this novel can provide readers with a better understanding of history and culture. Throughout the book, readers will gain insight into what it was like to grow up during the Vietnam War era, including topics such as racial tensions and political unrest. This helps children gain a greater appreciation for diversity and acceptance of different viewpoints.

The Wednesday Wars is an engaging and thought-provoking read that will help young readers develop their critical thinking skills. With its compelling storyline, memorable characters, and real-world themes, this book will keep kids entertained while teaching them invaluable lessons about problem-solving, resilience, and respect for others.

Questions about The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

What is The Wednesday Wars About?

The Wednesday Wars is a coming-of-age novel by Gary D. Schmidt about seventh grader, Holling Hoodhood, who must navigate school during the tumultuous year of 1967. During his Wednesday afternoons alone in school while all of his classmates attend religious instruction, he experiences life’s joys and sorrows in unexpected ways.

Who Would Appreciate This Novel?

The Wednesday Wars is perfect for readers aged 10 and up. It appeals to those who appreciate humor and heartwarming stories, as well as those looking for an engaging story with diverse characters set in a unique historical period.

What Are the Positive Reviews Saying?

Reviewers of The Wednesday Wars have praised its comedic elements. A School Library Journal review said: “This Newbery Honor book has it all—humor, pathos, lively characters, and a setting that oozes authenticity.” Readers have also commented on the relatable nature of Holling’s experience, saying that his journey is both entertaining and inspiring.

What Other Books Are Similar to The Wednesday Wars?

If you enjoyed The Wednesday Wars, you may like other books by Gary D. Schmidt such as Orbiting Jupiter, or books by authors like Sharon Creech (Walk Two Moons) or Rebecca Stead (When You Reach Me).

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.