It is 1967. Holling Hoodhood goes to a school that is fairly equally divided between Catholic and Jewish students. Holling is a Presbyterian, and the only student in his class who is a part of neither group. Every Wednesday, the Catholic students go to catechism class and the Jewish students go to Hebrew school. Thus, on Wednesdays he finds himself alone with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, who forces him to read Shakespeare. This is evidence enough (for Holling) that she hates him!
As the year goes on, however, he begins to find out things about his teacher that don't fit with his image of her at all. As Holling realizes there's more to her than meets the eye, he also begins to see that there is more to a lot of other people he knows, as well.
I admit it: I'm a fan of Gary Schmidt. I love to laugh, and this book is full of humor, but it also has substance to it. Schmidt has assembled a cast of complex characters here, and masterfully weaves together the stories of Holling's family, his friends, his teacher, and others in his community with whom he comes in contact. People are rarely what they seem at first glance, and in the course of his adventures Holling gains glimpses behind those public masks that people put on for others.
Schmidt is a Newbery-winning author for a reason. This book is a beautiful read. He manages to keep a light touch while creating a very deep, meaningful story that will leave the reader wishing for a sequel.
No comments:
Post a Comment