Nothing but the Truth
by Avi

Subjects: School Life, Censorship
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Truth, truth can be a tricky thing because it can be twisted by anyone into anything depending upon their motives. That is exactly what ninth grader Philip Malloy found at in high school. It was such a small thing. He just hummed along during the playing of the National Anthem in Mrs. Narwin's English class.  She was his new English teacher and he didn't like her anyway. Because of his grades in her class, he couldn't be on the track team. The humming seemed insignificant, but it got him suspended. His parents got involved and then a man running for the upcoming school board elections saw an opportunity. Things escalated out of control from there: national newspapers and the media, school officials, citizens from anywhere and everywhere began screaming about patriotism, freedom, and respect. The truth began to develop a life of its own as it was shaped by people with ulterior motives.  If you want to find out what the truth becomes and what happens to Phillip Mallow because of it, read Nothing but the Truth. 

Booktalk prepared by Janice Bailey, East Central High Librarian