I chose this book since the cover had the picture of a school desk, a boy and two rats. The name of the book had the name of the specific day of the week, Wednesday. Also, the fact that the name of the book had the word 'wars' in it intrigued me more to read it as the world is a place for peace. This book is written by Gary D. Schmidt, who is a two-time Newberry Honor winner.

 The background of time is setted in 1967, when there was the Vietnam war. The main character, Holling Hoodhood also has the trouble of family business as their success depends on it. However, he is stuck with Mrs.Baker, who he assumes that she really hate him. On Wednesday afternoons, while other people attend Hebrew school or Catechism, Holling has to stay at school with Mrs.Bakers, helping her out. By helping her, Holling find out thath she does not hate him. Finally, at the end, Holling and his friends go to the airport with Mrs.Baker to greet Mr.Baker coming home.

 The background of this story is rather complex, intertwined with the Vietnam war, In fact, this book describes the trouble of commoners during the Bietnam war or the aspect of that year. One of Holling's friends, Mai Thi, is from Vietnam. By this, we can learn how serious the situation is since children needed to be rescued.

 Next, this book also focuses in Shakespeare. Mrs. Baker always give out Shakesoeare related assignments to Holling. By putting Shakespeare in the novel, the author tries to decline the weight of the other theme. Holling had to do a play, which removed the tension of the plot for as long as it lasted.

 Therefore, I think this novel exceeded in dealing with various themes- literature, war, family life and school life- which made the book deserve the Newberry  Honor prize awarded to this book.