I have loved this book since I was a child. And it remains relevant today. I love that it has a new audiobook that is full cast for more people to discover and enjoy. When this book came out, I remember thinking this stuff never happens, but as an adult in Trump loving America, not only does this happen, but it has also gotten worse. One of the things I love most about this book is you see the event from multiple sides. The sullen teenager who just thinks his teacher hates him, the teacher who knows her student can be/do better, the parents who want to stand up for their kid and their freedom, and the community who only hears part of the story. This plays so much into our current nation and the ongoing teacher story. This should be mandatory reading!

What a great find! I probably wouldn’t have sought this title out if not for finding it on NetGalley.
I really enjoyed the Full Cast Audio and found they were able to translate the unique format into sound well. The text includes letters, diary entries, conversations and the like and they were differentiated well.
I know some people will find the main character to be unlikable and in the wrong. I think looking beyond that to commentary on how the media can skew a story in a time when classes teach about checking sources and fake news make this a great teaching book.

Normally I enjoy Avi books so I was excited to receive an advanced copy of the audio version of the book. I was disappointed when I started listening to this book. I think the story would be fine but the narrator did not do the story justice. I was actually hoping Avi would be reading the story. I like his voice and his story telling abilities. Not sure if my review is supposed to be more about the audio or the story but I haven't even finished listening to it because my mind keeps wandering and I find myself not knowing what is going on in the story.

Brilliant drama presented in several different modalities and viewpoints. Story is a perfect example of miscommunication creating a mountain out of a molehill. The Full Cast Audio family recording of this classic drama is on point. All voice actors are convincing and contribute to the understanding of the story through inflection and pregnant pauses. This is a great resource for struggling readers or those that process information better through auditory input.

I thought I remembered reading this novel in elementary school, but listening to the audiobook as an adult gave me a totally new perspective. The premise is simple: a high school boy is disciplined for humming during the national anthem. The story takes place in the late 1980s or early 1990s (the school has newly invested in computers, Whole Language teaching is mentioned as a new concept), yet so many of the themes could be as current as a news story that went viral on Twitter.

The audiobook features a full cast of characters to play each role, and the actors really bring this story to life. As a former teacher, I found myself empathizing with the adults. However, I also could see how the situation was frustrating for Philip and how he didn't have the foresight to see the consequences of his actions, and that he (and others) would have to deal with the fallout in ways that would reverberate through the community.

Ms. Narwin was voiced by an actress with a rich and nuanced voice. Philip sounded like a teenager. I think those were my favorite of the voice actors, but all did a great job making the reader consider and question the events.

At the end of the audiobook, Avi, the author gives great insight into how he created the story and the feedback he received from teachers and administration.

I recommend this book for teenagers AND teachers and administration. In today's viral world full of sound bites and fake news, it would be well worth a discussion.

Nothing But the Truth
by Avi
Avi is an award winning author, that was recently initiated Colorado Authors Hall of fame. As a teacher in schools I found his book eye opening. The fact that political ideals, grandstanding, cause problems when the whole story is not told. The newspapers jump on the point of view of one side of the story. The side of the student, but not the entire story. They refuse to look into the what particulars really caused the problem. Political policies, and school budgets color the news story making it even more compounded. The News notoriety causes a problem, that is expanded. Its a book that should be shared with students, so that they can see their excuses and reasoning for some of the actions of news and journalism.
I liked the voice of the narrator, the idea of a group of performers that work together to create the cast of characters.

I am looking at this from the perspective of Miss London - teacher, not “Amy the lover of books.”
I think this is a very simple, straightforward text could open a lot of dialogue with students. Story itself has been seen and heard too many times to count. But, because the author makes the characters so one dimensional It really provides the opportunity for students to fill in the rest. For once, I actually appreciate an open and ambiguous ending.

I think understanding the power of the media, gossip, and misinformation is a very, very important one for students and sometimes it’s difficult to emphasize that without sounding preachy. In addition, evaluating sources is an anchor standard under CCSS. This is a good tool to at least begin the conversations. If I ever teach back in the US, I could definitely see incorporating this book into a middle school curriculum followed by a great debate project.

I listened to the audiobook and the cast is great. The dialogue isn’t, but that’s not their fault.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ALC in exchange for my honest opinions.