The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt is most deservedly a Newbery Honor Book.  Frankly, I love this book.  Set against the backdrop of 1967 and 1968, the reader sees historical events such as the Vietnam War and the assasination of polictical figures in the context of the life of seventh grader Holling Hoodhood.  However, this book isn’t just historical fiction, it has heart as it looks at friendships, disappointments, the death of gods, teacher-student relationships, Shakespeare, and choosing your own path in life.  And all this is wrapped up in the dry humor of its narrarator, Holling, and his seventh grade escapades. 

This book is a great guy read, and because it follows Holling Hoodhood’s seventh grade year, it is particularly perfect for seventh graders.  (Although, it’s mild content levels would make it a good read for even younger students.)  Laugh, cry, and think as you read The Wednesday Wars!

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Violence/Gore:  Reports/TV newscasts of Vietnam War involving battles, casualties, and soldiers missing in action; report of violence in Shakespeare plays; a character comes to school with a black eye; animals are killed in an accident; a character is punched in nose; a character is in a car accident, no major injuries; report of the assassination of a political figure; a character threatens to stuff gum up another character’s nose; a character has bloody knees with implied violence, no details.

Sex/Nudity:  Characters hold hands.

Mature Subject Matter:

Vietnam War, Racial Prejudice

Alcohol / Drug Use:

An adult smokes.  8th grade boys are smoking in the bathroom at school.