Book 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…
Why read it?
3 authors picked The Wednesday Wars as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
This was my third time to read this young adult novel. A young adult novel that really hits home for someone far past young adulthood. Every time I’ve told someone they need to read this book, I’ve said how much I laughed, but this time I realized how many times this book squeezed my heart and made it ache and brought tears to my eyes. Like the paragraph about Holling’s parents falling out of love while comparing it to a Shakespeare play. Time and again, I wanted to smack Mr. Hoodhood. I loved Mrs. Baker and wish I’d had her…
“Of all the kids in the seventh grade at Camillo Junior High, there was one kid that Mrs. Baker hated with heat whiter than the sun. Me.”
When I read that first line, I assumed The Wednesday Wars was going to be another shallow story with the typical conflict between a mean teacher and a student victim. But I was wrong. Completely wrong.
The Wednesday Wars will make you smile a real smile, not a teacher smile. It will make you laugh as you learn Shakespearean curses. It will make you cry when a student earns the high…
From Galynne's list on telling a story to touch the heart.
Shakespeare, cream puffs, escaped rats, cross-country track, soggy camping trips, family strife, and the historic events of the late 1960s are expertly woven into a boy-finds-his-inner-hero tale as Holling Hoodhood (yes, that’s his name) navigates the tribulations of seventh grade at his Long Island school. Another Newbery honoree, this clever story is filled with sly wit and tons of heart; it draws you in and won’t let go. For my money, Gary Schmidt is the Bard of adolescent boyhood. Once you’re a fan (and you will be after reading this), check out his other superb chronicles of impending adulthood: Lizzie…
From David's list on with a boy who discovers his inner hero.
If you love The Wednesday Wars...
The Time-Jinx Twins
Twelve-year-old identical twins Ellie and Kat accidentally trigger their physicist mom’s unfinished time machine, launching themselves into a high-stakes adventure in 1970 Chicago. If they learn how to join forces and keep time travel out of the wrong hands, they might be able find a way home. Ellie’s gymnastics and…
Want books like The Wednesday Wars?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Wednesday Wars.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,210
readers submitted
so far, will you?
