Synopsis

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.

Seventh grader Holling Hoodhood isn't happy. He is sure his new teacher, Mrs. Baker, hates his guts. 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. At home, Holling's domineering father is obsessed with his business image and disregards his family.

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.

Each month in Holling's tumultuous seventh-grade year is a chapter in this quietly powerful coming-of-age novel set in suburban Long Island during the late '60s.

Author: Gary D. Schmidt
Publisher: Clarion Books
Published: 05/21/2007
Pages: 272
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.01lbs
Size: 9.16h x 6.36w x 0.93d
ISBN: 9780618724833
Award: Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award - Nominee
Award: Georgia Children's Book Award - Nominee
Award: Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award - Nominee
Award: Virginia Readers Choice Award - Nominee
Award: Golden Sower Award - Nominee
Award: Nutmeg Book Award - Nominee
Award: Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award - Nominee
Award: Texas Lone Star Reading List - Commended
Award: Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens - Recommended
Award: Grand Canyon Reader Award - Nominee
Award: Volunteer State Book Awards - Nominee
Award: Land of Enchantment Book Award - Nominee
Award: Sequoyah Book Awards - Nominee
Award: Beehive Awards - Nominee
Award: Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award - Nominee
Award: Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award - Nominee
Award: Newbery Medal - Honor Book
Award: Society of Midland Authors Award - Winner
Award: California Young Reader Medal - Nominee
Award: Cybils - Finalist

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Best Books 01/15/2007 pg. 17
Publishers Weekly 04/16/2007 pg. 49
Kirkus Review - Children 05/15/2007 pg. 508
Voice of Youth Advocates 06/01/2007 pg. 152 - Recommended - Better Than Most
Kliatt 05/01/2007 pg. 19
Booklist 06/01/2007 pg. 71
School Library Journal 07/01/2007 pg. 110
Horn Book Magazine 07/01/2007 pg. 403
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 09/01/2007 pg. 52 - Recommended
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2007 pg. 355 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style
Publishers Weekly Best Books 11/05/2007 pg. 37
Kirkus Best Young-Adult Books 12/01/2007 pg. 18
New York Times Book Review 12/16/2007 pg. 23
Booklist Ed Choice Youth 01/01/2008 pg. 13
People Weekly 11/10/2008 pg. 102
ALA Best Books Young Adults 01/01/2008 pg. 1
Shelf Awareness 01/01/0001