Read this because my 5th grader was also reading it and it was a very sweet book...the word endearing comes to mind. Very funny parts, many parts broke my heart, and some parts made me reminiscent of my middle school years. Highly recommend for 5th grade and up. My son and I look forward to reading the next story that follows this, Okay for Now. ( )

There are some books I find myself intending to read, but never getting around to it until I get a little push at some stage. I got my push with this book when Mom borrowed it from the library—what better time to read it than when we already have it? I’m so glad I did that; this has become my favorite middle-grade read of the year so far.

It took me no time at all to get into the story—and only a few pages to get to the point where I was trying to quell my laughter so I wouldn’t bother others while I read. Holling Hoodhood (which is such a clever name in itself) is the most perceptive, hilarious character, and some of the conclusions he comes to are…interesting, to say the least. The setting is delightful, and the glimpse into my grandparent’s time was fascinating. I loved Holling’s teacher, and his sister, hated his dad, and fell in love with middle-grade books all over again with this story.

In many ways, this isn’t an easy book. It deals with a somewhat dysfunctional family, the Vietnam War, and the hippie movement, and there’s a lot of growth in the main character and other characters throughout the story. This is a book about friendship, and how sometimes we have to sacrifice for others in order to make progress. And somehow, Schmidt pulls it all together into a gripping story.

I absolutely loved this story, and I’m looking forward to reading the sequel at some stage. Deep, yet lighthearted (you can’t miss the part about the rats in the ceiling!), flavored with another time but still relatable, this is a book I’d gladly share with my siblings—I suspect it would become a family favorite if we read it together. Highly recommended! ( )

While I was reading this, one small detail bugged me. Why did Doug Swieteck get invited to the gym to meet the Yankees with Holling and Danny? What did Doug do to deserve that? Was it just so he wouldn't try #166 on Mrs. Baker? I feel like I must've missed something.

Anywho, I both really liked and kind of hated this book. Excepting Holling's family, most of the characters were kind of unbelievably earnest and emotional and pure. It made the story seem fake and dippy. But what it lacked in sarcasm, it almost made up for in good writing and a decent look at the life of a 7th grader in 1967 (air raid drills, Vietnam, hippies, etc.).

In the end, I think I'd only recommend this to 5th-8th graders who have to read historical fiction. It's definitely one of those kids' books that adults love, but actual kids...not so much. ( )

A delightful coming of age book with so many clever funny moments. Teenage boy narrators aren't always great, but this one is the perfect balance. A special book that will stay with you for sure. ( )