Avi. (1991). Nothing but the truth. New York: Orchard Books.

Nothing but the Truth tells the story from many perspectives in a documentary novel.  It follows the diary and conversations of Phillip Malloy.  Phillip is a smart but lazy student who doesn’t like his English and home room teacher, Ms. Narwin. Phillip is convinces his parents that Ms. Narwin is unreasonable. The books also has letters and conversation from Ms. Narwin’s perspective as well as discussions between school  officials and  various students.  Phillip decides he is going to get out of Ms. Narwin and starts to hum loudly to the national anthem everyday. Ms. Narwin asks him to stop because of the memo for have respectful silence during the time.  The Assistant Principal eventually suspends him for insubordination Phillip tells his parents he just wanted to sing the National Anthem.  Phillip has other reasons that he doesn’t care for Ms. Narwin but doesn't explain what is truly going on as his parents say whatever it is they are completely behind him. News of the suspension and why it supposedly happens soon gets pick up by local and national media.  Ms. Narwin is branded a bad teacher that doesn’t stand up for American ideals.  Eventually, the school board pushes Ms. Narwin out and Phillip is regarded as a hero.  Avi creates an interesting look at the state of how media, hearsay and a culture of speaking before asking operate in America.

I am unsure on why it was overlooked, I think it is well written and from an award winning author.  He wrote True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle  and both books received a Newbery Honor Awards.  Maybe the format of the book was not appealing to readers.  It does seem a little strange just glancing at the  first few pages of the book. I think that students don't like the injustice of what ends up happening seeing it more from the kid's perspective rather than the adult. Also, the title might have thrown readers off figuring that it might be an essay about America.  It is labeled a documentary novel, this might have causes pause to those purchasing books –librarians and parents because it might appear to be something students possible be uninterested in reading.  The first few book covers might have also been unappealing to readers, the most engaging book cover in my opinion is with a file on the cover. This book cover came at a later date. Avi does a good job, the book is an excellent reflection of American society and should be reviewed and read in the classroom. Ms. Narwin’s perspective of wanting  a student to achieve his highest potential and frustration is reflective in many teachers' experience.  Miscommunication between administration, teachers and parents are very relevant as well.  The book is 25 years old but shows the state of the school system very accurately even today.