Books Like The Wednesday Wars
Families who loved The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is beginning to see the flaws in the adults around them or feels pressured by high expectations. It is a brilliant resource for children navigating complex relationships with authority figures, whether that is a teacher who seems to have a grudge or a parent whose love feels conditional on success. Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the story follows seventh-grader Holling Hoodhood as he discovers that people are far more three-dimensional than they first appear. Through a year of mandatory Shakespeare sessions with his teacher, Holling learns to find his own voice amidst the noise of the 1960s. The novel balances laugh-out-loud humor with poignant moments of growth, dealing with themes of empathy, domestic tension, and the courage required to define oneself. It is a deeply human story that helps kids realize that even the most intimidating adults are often carrying their own heavy burdens.
