Seventh-grader Holling Hoodhood thinks his teacher, Mrs. Baker, hates him because he's the only student who doesn't attend religious school on Wednesday afternoons, forcing them to spend those hours together. What begins as a dreaded punishment—reading Shakespeare and running errands—slowly transforms into an unexpected mentorship as Holling navigates family tensions, first crushes, and the turbulent backdrop of the 1967-68 school year during the Vietnam War. Through witty humor and poignant moments, Holling discovers courage, empathy, and his own voice while the world around him seems to be falling apart. The story beautifully captures how small personal triumphs can shine brightly even during difficult historical times.