The Wednesday Wars

From whose point of view is the story told, and how does that affect the reader’s perception of characters and events?

What literary devices does Schmidt use to create Holling’s narrative voice?

Schmidt never gives physical descriptions of characters, and even the book’s cover art omits a depiction of Holling’s face. How would physical descriptions have changed the reader’s perspective of characters? How does the lack of physical descriptions affect the reader’s interpretation?

How does the novel’s setting add significance to the story? Schmidt could have chosen any period in which to set his story, yet he chose to focus on September 1967 through June 1968. What does he accomplish by this choice? Consider other aspects of the setting as well, such as the state, city, and exact locations given in the novel.

This is considered a middle-grade novel, yet it deals with complex ideas, controversial national events, and significant themes. How does Schmidt make significant ideas accessible to young readers? What does he accomplish by incorporating complexity into the novel, rather than just tellingHolling finds close community and friendship where he least expects it. Analyze his relationships with Heather, Mrs. Baker, and Meryl Lee, and explain how those relationships changed over the course of the school year. a simple, lighthearted story?

Holling finds close community and friendship where he least expects it. Analyze his relationships with Heather, Mrs. Baker, and Meryl Lee, and explain how those relationships changed over the course of the school year. 

Some characters’ names are never given, such as Holling’s father and Doug Swieteck’s brother, while Holling is called by several names (Holling, Mr. Hoodhood, and Holling Hood). Discuss Schmidt’s use of names and how name discrepancies or lack of assigning first names function in the novel.

How does Schmidt create humor in the novel? Consider literary devices, plot elements, and characterization when forming your answer.