Wednesday Wars, by Gary Schmidt   "February"    Due Wednesday, February 4th

Reflect on the relationship between Holling and Meryl Lee and the events that take place during this chapter, and share your thoughts on Holling's first version of the essay and then the changes he makes to the second version of Romeo & Juliet.  p. 150-152

After reading "December", share your reaction to the interaction between Micky Mantle and Holling on page 92.  Reread the first paragraph on page 93 "When gods die....." and explain what you feel is the meaning of this passage.

In the chapter "November" Mrs Baker talks to Holling about the ending of The Tempest", specifically the character Caliban. Reread their conversation on pages 70-71 and respond to what you think Mrs. Baker is trying to teach Holling through this character and the story's ending. 

In "October" the author introduces us to Shylock, a Shakespearean character, from "The Merchant of Venice".   Holling and Mrs. Baker are discussing Shylock's character on page 48.  Would you say Holling and his sister are similar to or different from to Shylock.  Support your answer with details from the story.

On page 48 in "November", Holling's dad cuts the lawn again after Holling has just cut it.  What kind of relationship do you think Holling has with his Dad.  Support you answer with details from the story.

Ms. Grace Literature Circle

Welcome to our Literature Group.  We will be reading and blogging The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt over the course of several weeks.  Below is a short story summary.

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt Holling Hoodhood is a 7th grader in 1967. Initially, he believes that his teacher hates his guts because he doesn’t fall into the category of students who go to religious classes on Wednesdays. Since Holling is the only Presbyterian child in school at that time, he is the only one that stays for school on Wednesdays, where the other students go to either Saint Adelbert's or Temple Beth-El. At first, Mrs. Baker assigns him too much work, but then teaches him about the writings of Shakespeare. 

Observe the book cover and read the short summary above to make a prediction about the story's theme and author's purpose.  Post your thoughts and ideas and respond to one other classmate's post.