Nothing but the Truth

Ninth grader Philip Malloy wants to join the Harrison High School track team. His middle school gym teacher told Coach Jamison he was really good. With Philip on the team, Harrison High has a real shot at becoming county champs.

Philip’s grades in school are pretty good, except for English, where Philip tries to impress the girls by being the class clown.

English teacher Margaret Narwin doesn’t appreciate the wise cracks and thoughtless essays. Phillip earns a D for his first semester grade.

Coach Jamison informs Philip he needs to maintain passing grades in all his subjects. The D in English has made the running sensation ineligible for track.

Philip is reassigned to Miss Narwin’s homeroom class. During the morning announcements over the public-address system, the school’s tradition is to play the national anthem while all rise and stand respectfully at silent attention. Philip hums.

Miss Narwin asks Philip to adhere to school regulations and be quiet. Philip doesn’t follow his teacher’s request and is asked to leave the room and report to Dr. Joseph Palleni, Assistant Principal.

During that week Philip continues this behavior. After being warned by Miss Narwin and the AP, the boy is suspended from school for two days for his insubordination.

Philip’s dad, Mr. Malloy is told by Philip he was suspended for singing the “Star Spangled Banner” in class. Mr. Malloy is livid and reports this to a neighbor, Ted Griffen, a contender for a seat on the school board in the coming elections.

Mr. Griffen takes up Philip’s plight making the boy’s suspension a key campaign issue, which gets the attention of the media.

Philip’s version of the story goes viral and lives are affected.

Author Avi, through a documentary approach tells Philip’s story in such a way that readers get the perspective of not only the student, but his classmates, teachers, the principal and assistant principal, as well as his parents and the superintendent of schools.

Nothing But The Truth is an excellent vehicle for teachers and students to explore the influence of the media, the various interpretations of an event through the eyes of witnesses, and the way some people will twist the truth to fit their own personal agendas.

Nothing But The Truth is one book that should be part of every high school English teacher’s curriculum. Highly recommended.  

About the Author

Born and raised in New York City, Avi has been a librarian, playwright, and the author of many YA books. He has written 70 books, has been the winner of many awards including the two Newbery Honors, two Horn Book awards, and an O’Dell award. He frequently tours the country talking to his readers at their schools.