The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

The Wednesday Wars is an engaging novel set in the year 1967.  It revolves around the life of seventh grader Holling Hoodhood.  When he is the only student standing between his teacher and her free Wednesday afternoon, he knows he's in trouble.  He feels that his teacher, Mrs. Baker, is trying to make his life miserable since he is the only student who doesn't leave on Wednesday afternoons due to his religion.  At first he is given chores such as cleaning the chalkboard erasers, which is bad enough but then she makes him start reading Shakespeare.  He thinks Mrs. Baker hates him and he is doomed....until he begins to realize he actually enjoys Shakespeare.  While the story takes place in a difficult year with the Vietnam War going on and affecting the town, this book is filled with hilarious events.  The reader gets to enjoy stories of Holling  and his new girlfriend, getting to play ball with the Yankees and going on a class camping trip.  A fun read!