In this Newbery Honorwinning novel, Gary D. Schmidt tells thewitty and compelling story of ateenage boy who feels that fate has it in for him, during the school year 1968-69. Seventh grader Holling Hoodhood isnt happy. He is sure his newteacher, Mrs. Baker, hates his guts. Hollings domineering father is obsessed with his business image and disregards his family. Throughout the school year, Holling strives toget a handle on the Shakespeare plays Mrs. Baker assigns him to read on his own time, and to figure out the enigmatic Mrs. Baker. As the Vietnam War turns lives upside down, Holling comes to admire and respect both Shakespeare and Mrs. Baker, who have more to offer him than he imagined. And when his family is on the verge of coming apart, he also discovers his loyalty to his sister, and his ability to stand up to his father when it matters most.