Nothing But The Truth by Avi

(From Scholastic (publisher) website):

In this thought provoking examination of freedom, patriotism, and respect, ninth grader Philip Malloy, is kept from joining the track team by his failing grades in English class. Convinced that the teacher just doesn't like him, Philip concocts a plan to get transferred out of her class. Breaking the school's policy of silence during the national anthem, he hums along, and ends up in a crisis at the center of the nation's attention.

Hated it. I kept wanting to yell at/ slap a bunch of characters. You want a good book to teach to your Language Arts class? Read them The Book Thief. Great writing, Great plot, Great Everything. You'd love it XD

This is a great story about how quickly things can spiral out of control. One self absorbed teenager manages to cause a stir by acting out in class. I was astounded by how poorly the adults acted in this story. Everyone seems to just want to be done with it quickly, and not want to take the time to get to the real story. I read this because my daughter will be reading it with her eight grade class, and I can see where this would lead to some heated conversations. It did feel a little dated (there is a fight to “install” computers in the school) but real topic is still very timely. Great read.