The Wednesday Wars is a story told in first person by the main character, Holling Hoodhood taking place in the years 1967-1968 during the Vietnam war. Through this book we learn of Hollings struggle with his dad, friends, and family, and how through these experiences he learns to “find himself” and comes to be his own person. Facing a very strict father and a somewhat rebellious sister, Holling does not find himself short of experiences, that at the time, only create tension and arguments. Through these though, we see Holling learn to cope with the cards that he has been dealt and turn into an extremely mature character, which shines though from his final passage at the end of the book!
Readers- Below are a few links that can help you teach this book to your own class or child!
This link gives a quick overview of what the book was about and actual provides a quiz online! It’s a fun and interactive way for students to use technology and be learning as well.
Scholastic is a fantastic website which offers different lesson plans and activities that can be used while teaching this book in your classroom!
Vocabulary: Some words that might need to be pre-taught to your students include asbestos, begrudge, coagulated, emporium, intransitive, nefarious, reconnaissance, unalloyed, vengeance and yarmulka.
Activities:
Before Reading: Have each student make a prediction as to what the story might be about. A lot of times the title and cover foreshadow what might happen throughout the book. Discuss any ideas and encourage any suggestions!
During Reading: While independently reading the book, students can periodically summarize what they have learned and express how they feel about the events that took place.
After Reading: Students can work with a partner and discuss how Holling coped with the stress in his life, and what he did to help himself manage it. Taking this further, the students can think of a time when they, themselves were in a stressful situation and what they did to lessen that.
Schmidt, G. D. (2007). The Wednesday wars. New York: Clarion Books.
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