The Wednesday Wars / Gary D. Schmidt / 264 pages

I normally am not much of a "guffawer" as I read but this book had me laughing outloud on more than one occasion.  The story is set in the late 1960's and focuses on Holling Hoodhood who is in the 7th grade.  Not only was I laughing, the book also made my heart swell with pride and hope.  The book has great characters, interesting setting, humor, pathos, and a story that hooks the reader.  Now I can't wait to read Okay for Now which carries on the story of one of the Wednesday Wars characters.  You will especially enjoy this if you are a teacher, lived the 60's, or just like a book that makes you stay up until 3 am to finish it because you care about the characters.