FEATHERS by Jacqueline Woodson

The year is 1971, and Frannie is in the sixth grade. When a new boy enters her classroom, the students dub him “the Jesus boy,” because he is a white boy attending a black school, and they think he looks like Jesus. The boy seems to accept the name, and he causes quite a sensation in the class. Frannie’s friend Samantha begins to believe that he really is Jesus, while Trevor, the class bully tries to torture and taunt him. It is a surprise to everyone when the “Jesus boy” stands up to Trevor and is able to say the one thing that will hurt him most. This story deals with a number of complex issues, including racism, miscarriage, and deafness. Frannie tries to reason out why the “Jesus boy” attends school on the wrong side of the highway. She worries about her mother, who has lost several babies in the past and is currently expecting another. She looks up to and admires, yet wants to protect her brother Sean, who is deaf but just wants to fit in like everyone else.

For such a short book, this story is loaded with issues to discuss, yet it is presented in a tasteful way that is not preachy or condescending. However, I found that I was left wanting more. The book seemed a bit rushed, and I would have liked to see more character development. Still, overall, the purpose of the book was accomplished and well written.

THE WEDNESDAY WARS by Gary D. Schmidt

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.