This book captivated me right from the start! It was one of those books that called to me between chapters and made me want to stay awake to read more. Holling Hoodhood is a seventh grader in 1967 and he is hilarious, sensitive, real, and smart. He imagines his teacher, Mrs. Baker, is at war with him, and details her dirty looks, quotes her, etc. Each chapter is a new month in the school year, and as their relationship develops, you can feel the mutual admiration. It’s wonderful! My friend Leslie gave me this book, and when she recommends a book, I have learned to listen! Our tastes are similar and I've learned to trust hers!
Another reason I liked it was the time…people are smoking, Viet Nam War is running in the background, and so are flower children. It’s richly and accurately done!
This is alternately tragic and funny…Holling’s parents, particularly his father, are dolts. They are heartbreaking! But Holling’s ingenuity and independence are developed because of this… There aren’t many books that make me cry real tears, but this one did, in several places. The caring teacher, the clueless parents, the big sister’s problems, the POW arriving home, the love between teacher and student, all were very sweet experiences for me.
One of Mrs. Baker’s tricks is to require Holling to read Shakespeare during their Wednesday afternoons together. He is the only Presbyterian student who doesn’t have to attend either Catholic or Jewish services on Wednesday afternoons. This gives him ample time for private tutoring from Mrs. Baker, and the reader gets a fresh chance to appreciate Shakespeare’s lessons as well. Totally delightful!
I was lucky enough to attend Gabriel's parent/student/teacher conference this week, and I was surprised to see this book on the shelf in his 4th grade classroom. I'm sure Gabe COULD read it, but the themes feel a little too sophisticated for him. I think I'll give a copy to Melissa and see what she thinks... I'm sure the Shakespeare allusions would all be lost on him, but perhaps it would kindle an interest for later?
I was lucky enough to attend Gabriel's parent/student/teacher conference this week, and I was surprised to see this book on the shelf in his 4th grade classroom. I'm sure Gabe COULD read it, but the themes feel a little too sophisticated for him. I think I'll give a copy to Melissa and see what she thinks... I'm sure the Shakespeare allusions would all be lost on him, but perhaps it would kindle an interest for later?
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