Read this because my 5th grader was also reading it and it was a very sweet book...the word endearing comes to mind. Very funny parts, many parts broke my heart, and some parts made me reminiscent of my middle school years. Highly recommend for 5th grade and up. My son and I look forward to reading the next story that follows this, Okay for Now. ( )

There are some books I find myself intending to read, but never getting around to it until I get a little push at some stage. I got my push with this book when Mom borrowed it from the library—what better time to read it than when we already have it? I’m so glad I did that; this has become my favorite middle-grade read of the year so far.

It took me no time at all to get into the story—and only a few pages to get to the point where I was trying to quell my laughter so I wouldn’t bother others while I read. Holling Hoodhood (which is such a clever name in itself) is the most perceptive, hilarious character, and some of the conclusions he comes to are…interesting, to say the least. The setting is delightful, and the glimpse into my grandparent’s time was fascinating. I loved Holling’s teacher, and his sister, hated his dad, and fell in love with middle-grade books all over again with this story.

In many ways, this isn’t an easy book. It deals with a somewhat dysfunctional family, the Vietnam War, and the hippie movement, and there’s a lot of growth in the main character and other characters throughout the story. This is a book about friendship, and how sometimes we have to sacrifice for others in order to make progress. And somehow, Schmidt pulls it all together into a gripping story.

I absolutely loved this story, and I’m looking forward to reading the sequel at some stage. Deep, yet lighthearted (you can’t miss the part about the rats in the ceiling!), flavored with another time but still relatable, this is a book I’d gladly share with my siblings—I suspect it would become a family favorite if we read it together. Highly recommended! ( )

While I was reading this, one small detail bugged me. Why did Doug Swieteck get invited to the gym to meet the Yankees with Holling and Danny? What did Doug do to deserve that? Was it just so he wouldn't try #166 on Mrs. Baker? I feel like I must've missed something.

Anywho, I both really liked and kind of hated this book. Excepting Holling's family, most of the characters were kind of unbelievably earnest and emotional and pure. It made the story seem fake and dippy. But what it lacked in sarcasm, it almost made up for in good writing and a decent look at the life of a 7th grader in 1967 (air raid drills, Vietnam, hippies, etc.).

In the end, I think I'd only recommend this to 5th-8th graders who have to read historical fiction. It's definitely one of those kids' books that adults love, but actual kids...not so much. ( )

A delightful coming of age book with so many clever funny moments. Teenage boy narrators aren't always great, but this one is the perfect balance. A special book that will stay with you for sure. ( )

When I first started reading this book, I had a hard time relating. As a 55+ year old mom, who even though we had smoking in our junior high bathrooms, (at least one), I still had a hard time relating to some of Holling's issues. This was another book that I took my time reading and did not rush through. The book began to grow on my the more I got into it and now I look forward to reading the next one.

I will say, even though the Vietnam War, and other issues of 1967 are mentioned, and I as well as others, have classified it as historical fiction, I honestly wish that there had been a little more included about the Vietnam War. Maybe who I would have related to more or would like to hear her story is actually Holling's sister. Yes, is part of the story, but I am interested in hearing more of her voice, why was Robert F. Kennedy so important to the youth of that day? Why were the young people so opposed to the war?

I realize that is not the story that Schmidt wrote. His perspective was that of the younger brother, but because of this book, the voice of the "flower children" is one that I would like to read more about. My oldest daughter was in high school when this book first came out and she recalls really enjoying reading it. I will need to share the sequel with her when I am finished with it.

It's hard to know how to rate this book. I'm not sure that kids would like it as much as adults, so on the YA scale it loses points. But it's a good story of a year in the life of a boy learning to be himself. There's a really nice teacher-student relationship involving some very deep understanding of Shakespeare that I'm not sure could really come from a 12-year-old, but maybe. I'm not sure I could recommend it to a lot of my students, but I liked reading it. ( )

This book is about a seventh grader who thinks his teacher hates him, and he is having family troubles. Throughout the book, he gains respect for his teacher. This is a good book for students because it is relatable. ( )

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. ( )

If Catcher in the Rye were any good, it would be this book. Getting 5th graders to laugh at Shakespeare plots and dialogue is no small accomplishment! The June chapter contains a scene of stunning beauty that is an apt counterargument to Fitzgerald's boat beating against the current. The book skillfully envelops large themes in the sometimes mundane, sometime ridiculous life of a 7th grader living in 1968. ( )

When I checked out this audiobook from the library, I somehow didn't know it was middle grade. The first chapter or so had me thinking I wasn't going to love it, but as the story went on, it deepened. I really enjoyed it, and I think it would be a good family listen for families with elementary aged kids. Lots to talk about in terms of parent/child communication and relationships. ( )

I read this book to my junior high-aged son. We both enjoyed it, and I think junior high is the appropriate target age group for this book. It dealt with some serious topics--the Vietnam War and racism--and also included some funny/goofy elements. I'm glad that we read this together, and it prompted some good discussions. ( )

It was okay. It felt like I was reading a diary, which is fine but nothing became super interesting until May and June sections. I think the sister and Mrs. Baker were the best characters out of all of them and I was more invested in Holling's family dilemmas because everything else seemed so dry. It was a book of small problems glossed over, but I kept reading for the historical tidbits which are nice to read. ( )

All of the events in the book had almost a too perfect resolution. It was a bit hard to believe that a 7th grader would read and understand Shakespeare without some guidance. Were kids smarter in 1968? The parents were a horror show in their absence from their kids lives. ( )

Love love love this book. I want to be Mrs. Baker--she is the perfect teacher. Nice coming-of-age story...if Holling Hoodhood (the protagonist) was older, I'd lobby to teach this instead of Catcher in the Rye. Way more hopeful but with similar themes. Loved it! ( )

Amazing. I had forgotten that books could make you think like this. ( )

Funny and charming, though a little bit sad. My 12 year old son and I loved it. ( )

Holling Hoodhood is sure his teacher hates him and is picking on him. This book is about Holling’s relationships with friends, teachers, and family members. It is also about Holling finding out who he is. Schmidt is talented at introducing readers and his characters to new things that may challenge old beliefs. For example, in this book, Holling discovers that Shakespeare might not be so bad. this book is a Newbery Award Winner.

For Grades: 7-8
Positive Worldview/Messages ***
Positive Role Models & Representation ***
Violence **
Romance/Sex *
Questionable Language **
Drinking, Drugs, & Smoking*
Educational Value **** ( )

An excellent Newbery Honor book. This story contains a good balance of humor and drama. Holling has to deal with family drama and a difficult home life, but pushes forward to accomplish great things. This book is a great read for young adolescents and adults alike, and I see myself adding it to my middle school book library. I highly recommend it, five out of five stars. ( )

Highly readable, wryly humorous with just the right amount of family drama. Holling is an unlikely hero. His remote, selfish father, ineffective mother and snotty older sister add not only background to his school-based troubles, but makes the reader cheer for his triumphs even more. ( )

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4 1/2 stars ( )

Enjoyed this very much. Like Richard Peck without the dripping nostalgia and moralizing.

Terrible covers and title, though. ( )