The Wednesday Wars

Set during the 1967-68 school year, this coming-of-age novel follows seventh-grader Holling Hoodhood as he navigates middle school challenges while reading Shakespeare with his teacher Mrs. Baker every Wednesday afternoon. Against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Holling deals with family expectations, friendship dynamics, and discovering his own identity while his community grapples with social and political changes. The story explores themes of growing up, finding courage, and understanding different perspectives during a turbulent time in American history.