Nothing But the Truth (Scholastic Gold)

This is one of my favorite novels to read in class. The book arrived in a timely manner and was exactly what I ordered.

I read this book as a child in middle school after finding it at a Scholastic book fair. Interestingly, it was actually removed from my middle and high school libraries. Now, as a teacher during these loud political times, I've seen its popularity rise. I'm was able to meet the author at a literacy conference and hear how it was never intended to be a political story, but just a take on gossip. The forward in the current version explains his inspiration. its amazing how the reader can gravitate to one perspective when they are all so misunderstood.

The book Nothing But The Truth is a collection of letters, dialogues, and documents about a certain event regarding a kid named Phillip Malloy humming the Star Spangled Banner during the beginning of each day. The various sources the book provides are all biased based on the writer of it, except the dialogues. The reader’s job is to figure out what the real event was despite all of the bias.This book is very unique in the way it is written. Most books are written from one point of view, but this book is written in third person objective and in about 4 different perspectives in first person. This book shows how events in real life can be easily blurred by bias and how easily a person would believe a fake version of a certain event.I personally enjoyed reading this book and attempting to figure out what had really happened. I would recommend this book to my friends.

Gave this to my 15 year old grandson to read because I've always thought it was a good book and he hates to read. The format was perfect for him and the story got to him. He will tell you it was an "awful book"--but he couldn't put it down; then he'll go on to tell you "it's not the book, it's the characte--that kid's a pain"; then he'll say, "I guess it's pretty good" and encouraged his sister to read it! His mom has also read the book and has had the same reaction. It's a very engaging book with an ending that will get you.

good transaction

When I taught low-level readers in high school a colleague said he wanted to teach this book. The story is simple enough, a kid and a teacher have a conflict. It spirals out of control once parents, politics and the press get involved. In the end, a teacher's career is ruined and a student's lie is revealed only too late.What makes this book strong is the variety of non-fiction resources used to reveal the tale. As a result, it is a way of sharing a fictional story within the confines of Common Core edicts from on high. (Teachers will understand that statement all too well.)It is a controversial story and allows students to reflect and examine how choices can spiral out of control, but certainly left me a bit cold. (Any teacher in this day and age would given the plot line, I'm certain.)

The novel is easy to read and extremely interesting. The topic is as appropriate today as it was when he wrote it. Looking at a conflict from numerous characters as well as the truth being stretched and manipulated as in a game of telephone shows how unfair the world is to both sides of a story. Very up to date - holds you till the very end. .

Wow, just wow! Can't wait to discuss it with all who read it! People are too terribly, personally motivated without regard for more than just their own gain or outcome! Everything in this book happens all the time. Sad reality for many AMERICANS- students, teachers, school districts, families...too much sensationalism and assumption and people trying to get attention and money...life could be simpler if people were more ethical displayed decency and integrity. No one wins in these situations where people don't care enough to take the time and take care of the real needs we face as humans. PERSPECTIVE- truly a noble word when we can really consider it from all angles!