The Taking of Room 114: A Hostage Drama in Poems

What starts out as an ordinary day for a group of high school seniors turns into anything but when their history teacher takes them hostage. The book takes us through each of their lives through a series of five poems, where we learn about the issues and goals that resonate underneath the facade of their high school personas. Throughout the book we see how the personal lives of the students intersect with their actions in the public domain, and readers will wonder how the hostage drama will play out for both the students and their teacher. Readers of all ages will identify with a wide range of feelings and ideas that come up throughout the book, which will likely cause readers to scramble for some scrap paper as they jot down a favorite show more passage or two. While a quick read, expect a complicated emotional impact that will take some time to unfold. The story takes place in a contemporary urban high school with a diverse group of students. A must for high school libraries, and a must read for any adult interacting with high school aged kids. show less

I was unsatisfied with this book. The characters were stereotypes and the story did not tell enough. There was no explanation for the teacher’s actions, no talk of the aftermath, not even any real description of what went on in that classroom. I didn't care about what happened to any of the characters and I didn't feel any drama. The poetry format limited rather than expanded the scope of the story.

Students in Mr. Wiedermeyer’s history class begin their day milling around the high school. Some are waiting in line to get their yearbooks; some are flirting or trying to finish a last-minute assignment. It is June and graduation is jut a few days away. Mr. Wiedermeyer is giving a final today. A few students decide to ditch class, the rest file in and take their seats. Short poem flashbacks show us what has preoccupied the minds of these students in each of their high school years from freshman to senior. We see what they are thinking today as they stroll into class and realize a few minutes later that their teacher is not himself today. He is waving a gun around, rambling about someone named Michael and holding them hostage in their show more classroom. Each student has different thoughts about what will happen, what he or she will miss, and what is wrong with the teacher. Short poems written by Mr. Wiedermeyer are slipped under the door as he attempts to unload all the things troubling his soul.
This book is so-so... show less

A riveting, fast-paced, exciting books that will keep you begging for more.