The Wednesday Wars
Recommended. Age: 10+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
A funny, warm story of a boy who finds in his teacher the adult his busy father will not be. Holling grows in courage, forgives a betrayal, and spends his savings to bring his runaway sister home. Catholic, Jewish and Presbyterian families are shown with respect, and Holling lights candles and prays in a Catholic church. The reservation: a cold father is never really set right.
For parents
Read it aloud from 9, and alone from 10. Common Sense Media says 10 and up. The hard parts are the Vietnam War, a missing soldier and a father who puts business first. Ask why Holling goes into the church to pray. Ask how he can honor a father who lets him down (CCC 2217).