Ellen Fader, Westport Public Library, CTĬopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. Admirably well crafted and thought provoking. Also enriching the narrative are copies of school memos and newspaper articles, transcripts of speeches delivered, and copies of letters received by both Philip and his teacher each document provides another perspective on the conflict and illuminates the many themes that beg to be discussed-most notably the irony of lives destroyed because of the misuse of power and the failure of people to communicate. Avi carefully sets forth the events in the story, advancing the plot through conversations between students, Philip's parents, school personnel, and community politicians, while Philip's point of view is revealed through his diary entries, and Margaret Narwin's through letters to her sister. At this point, the novel surges forward to a heartbreaking, but totally believable, conclusion. The conflict between Philip and his school escalates, and he quickly finds the situation out of his control local community leaders, as well as the national news media, become involved. Throughout the ensuing disciplinary problems at school, his parents take his side, ignore the fact that he is breaking a school rule, and concentrate on issues of patriotism.

Convinced the teacher, Margaret Narwin, dislikes him, he concocts a scheme to get transferred from her homeroom: instead of standing 'at respectful, silent attention' during the national anthem, Philip hums. Grade 6-9- Ninth grader Philip Malloy finds himself unable to participate on the track team because of his failing grade in English.

Nothing but the truth by avi