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Nothing but the Truth
Nothing but the Truth
Author: Avi
Patriotism or practical joke? — Harrison, NH -- Ninth-grade student Philip Malloy was suspended from school for singing along to The Star-Spangled Banner in his homeroom, causing what his teacher, Margaret Narwin, called "a disturbance."  But was he standing up for his patriotic ideals, only to be squelched by the school system?&nb...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780380719075
ISBN-10: 038071907X
Publication Date: 1993
Pages: 224
Reading Level: Young Adult
Rating:
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 54

3.7 stars, based on 54 ratings
Publisher: HarperTrophy
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed Nothing but the Truth on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
An amazing book about a student, and his rights to the American Flag. A very comical book.
janflora avatar reviewed Nothing but the Truth on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
excellent book for tweens/teens about First Amendment rights, as well as seeing things from different points of view... uses letters, diary entries etc to relate story... pretty quick read. Avi is one of the best writers for this set. He knows kids.
bibliophile26 avatar reviewed Nothing but the Truth on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Avi is a masterful story teller, and this book deserves it's newberry honor award. It's a relevant story that makes the reader think about their own perspective and the perspectives of others.
GeniusJen avatar reviewed Nothing but the Truth on + 5322 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

It seems simple. Tell the truth. But what is the truth? NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH by Avi is a book that will have you questioning what is true at every turn.

Philip Malloy is a 9th-grader who learns about truth the hard way. An avid track runner, he is hoping to try out for the high school track team. He knows he has the support of his parents and is even hoping they will chip in to help him purchase some new shoes to start the season.

Unfortunately, Philip is about to receive some bad news - his English grade. It doesn't surprise him when the coach calls him into his office for a little talk. Word of his excellent performance on the middle school team must have made its way to the high school coach. What he isn't expecting is the lecture he gets about his English grade. He has a D in Miss Narwin's class, and according to the school handbook, that makes him ineligible. He can't even try out for the team.

What happens next involves Philip's misguided attempt to fix the problem. The solution is simple. Just find a way to get out of Miss Narwin's class, hopefully get a better grade with a different teacher, all before his parents and even his friends find out. Instead, Philip ends up creating a situation that involves the teacher, the administration, his parents, a neighbor, the local newspaper, and eventually people from across the country.

Written in script form, with bits and pieces from Philip's diary, as well as letters and memos written by staff members at the high school, NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH explores what happens if one person manipulates the truth. The far-reaching consequences will amaze readers and remind them that our actions impact the lives of others. What begins as a harmless attempt to withhold information ends up changing an entire community.

I use this novel in my 8th-grade classroom. Given the script format, students are able to take parts and read it aloud. It provides subject matter for some intense discussions not only about truth, but also about the ethical behavior of many of the characters. I would recommend this book for classroom use, book discussions, or general reading pleasure.
reviewed Nothing but the Truth on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book is in good condition, but lacks a dust cover.
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reviewed Nothing but the Truth on
The story was interesting, it showed how the same event can be understood differently. I didn't like the format is the writing, too choppy.
reviewed Nothing but the Truth on + 8 more book reviews
Delightful story of a young boy, named Phillip Malloy who faces his school system for denying him patriotism? But is Phillip telling all of the truth??
reviewed Nothing but the Truth on
One of my favorite books as a teenager. Inspired a return to patriotism


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