The author does a great job in creating the time period and being true to the life of a seventh grader. I just love how grows in maturity and with his relationship with his teacher. It had to be scary knowing you were going to spend one-on-one time with your seventh grade teacher. While some behavior is not great the warm feeling overcome that.
Middle school and junior high students should love this book. I read it to my students every year and they are spellbound throughout. I've noticed many have improved their own writing as they pick up on the author's style. Schmidt does a great job of referencing Shakespear and atheletics.
I don't love it or hate it... BUT IT WAS BOOO-RING! The idea wasn't bad, but it's not a book I would choose, considering I had to read it for school. I am a Sisterhood of the Traveling pants and Harry Potter person. But this was just stupid. Sorry to Wednesday Wars fans!!!