The ironic title aptly captures the far-reaching impact of Philip Malloy's attempt to get transferred out of the class of an English teacher he resents. After her less-than-passing grade keeps him from trying out for the track team, Philip tries to annoy her by humming along with the national anthem played over the PA system during homeroom. When he is disciplined by the assistant principal, his actions become a political forum for a school board candidate as an example of repression of patriotic behavior. Events snowball as everyone involved scrambles to cover themselves, leaving the well-intentioned teacher as scapegoat to what has become the focus of national attention. When she finally attempts to set the story straight, the media and public have lost interest. A documentary format that consists of letters, memorandums, diary entries, and verbatim conversations skillfully highlights the lack of real communication present. Honor Book, 1991 CCBC Newbery Discussion. (Age 12 and older)

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? Was Ms. Narwin simply trying to be a good teacher? Or could it all be just a misunderstanding gone bad -- very bad? What is the truth here? Can it ever be known?

Heroism, hoax, or mistake, what happened at Harrison High changes everything for everyone in ways no one -- least of all Philip -- could have ever predicted.