Holling Hoodhood is the lone Presbyterian student in his seventh grade classroom. Every Wednesday afternoon when the other students go off to attend their church courses, Holling is left alone with Mrs. Baker, who hates him—or so he believes. After assigning odd chores for a few weeks, Mrs. Baker decides that she and Holling are going to tackle Shakespeare. Of course, Holling at first believes that this is yet another of Mrs. Bakers schemes, cooked up to torture him. However, he soon finds himself reciting Caliban’s curses in front of his bedroom mirror, playing a fairy in the community theater, and running cross country for his school’s team—all thanks to a very special teacher.
Although Holling’s story is at times serious and sad, it is interwoven with humor from Holling’s wonderful, unique seventh grade perspective. This would make a fun read aloud for middle grade students. What a fun way to whet their appetite for Shakespeare! I really enjoyed reading this one--it would have been my personal choice for this year's Newbery.
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