The Wednesday Wars tell the story of Holling Hoodhood's 7th grade year in 1967-68 on Long Island, New York. Like many other adolescents his age, Holling has his share of difficulties-- a father with high expectations, a sister he argues with, kids at school who bully him, and his first crush. Holling also is dealing with a problem other students aren't: he is the only Presbyterian in his class. Every Wednesday afternoon, all of Holling's classmates either leave to attend Hebrew classes at the local synagogue, or go to catechism classes at the local Catholic church. This leaves Holling all alone with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, who he is certain hates him. Soon into the year, Mrs. Baker decides to use the Wednesday afternoons to expose Holling to the works of William Shakespeare. During the year, Holling reads Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing, Julius Caesar, and other works. Through his time with Mrs. Baker (who doesn't hate him!), his work with Shakespeare, and other events, Holling begins to learn more about who he is and what is important to him. 
 This book is set during the Vietnam War, and this plays heavily into the plot of the book as community members are serving in Vietnam and there is a Vietnamese girl attending school in Holling's class because she was brought to America by the Catholic Relief Organization. Historical figures from the time as well as historical events are referenced throughout. Schmidt does a wonderful job of bringing levity to some difficult situations, of painting a setting so that you can imagine being there, and especially of developing characters of depth who the reader comes to care for deeply. 
 I loved this book and found so much to take from it. It is rich with relevance, important ideas, life lessons, and memorable characters. I will warn that the book has a bit of a slow start. I really felt myself being taken into the story after I had gotten through the first third. The wait is definitely worth it!