The View From Saturday is a novel about four sixth graders who were chosen to represent their class in a knowledge bowl. At the beginning of the book the reader finds out that these four students are the first sixth graders to beat an eighth grade team in the history of the school. The novel details their lives leading up to the bowl as well as the strange ways in which the students are connected. It also shifts to their teacher, Mrs. Olinski's point of view. At various points she is asked by people why she chose these for kids and parts of the book are her explanations. The group of students form a club called "The Souls", set in motion by Julian's invitation to all of them for tea at his home.
This is a wonderful novel that won the Newberry Award in 1997. What makes it particularly interesting is the shifting points of view from teacher to the various students who are a part of "The Souls". The narrative is both interesting and engaging, the story is set up in a way that is very entertaining. The way this book is written, at some points in the novel you feel like you are solving a mystery. This book is appropriate for middle schoolers or high schoolers.
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