Wednesday Wars

Gary Schmidt

Cover of Wednesday Wars

Wednesday Wars

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Gary Schmidt

Reading Level 7 12LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read
Newbery Honor

The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

Holling Hoodhood is convinced his teacher, Mrs. Baker, is out to get him, but as the school year unfolds, he discovers she might be the most surprising ally he never expected. Between wrestling with Shakespeare and the chaos of 1960s life, Holling learns that sometimes the hardest battles teach you the most about who you really are.

Themes

Growing Up & Facts of LifeFamily LifeFriendshipSocial Skills & School LifeLiterature & Fiction

Quick Assessment

Set during the 1968-69 school year, this Newbery Honor novel explores a seventh grader's struggles with family, school, and the social upheaval of the Vietnam War era. The story addresses complex themes like family conflict and loss with sensitivity, suitable for middle-grade readers (ages 9-12). Parents should note brief content involving a dead animal and a scene of vomiting, which are handled thoughtfully within the narrative.

For Parents

Content Intensity

12LE — Light — Emotional
Emotional
Light
Physical
Light
Social
Clear
Thematic
Clear

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Content Flags

Loss & Grief Mild Peril
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
6
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
7
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

313 pages
ISBN
9780439925013
Pages
313
Publisher
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Published
June 1, 2007
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Growing Up & Facts of LifeFamily LifeFriendship, Social Skills & School LifeLiterature & FictionHistorical FictionSelf ServiceCustom Stores