Description

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.