Will and Ernie understand the rules to survive high school.
The trick is to get small. Never look in their eyes. Never look at them at all. Just look down at the ground and try to get so small you're hardly even there. That's the only thing that helps.
Will Manson is Ernie's only friend. Ernie tips the scales at 242 pounds; Will is skinny and has acne. They each have only one parent. And they love to fish. Will loves ocean fishing and Ernie likes lake fishing near his uncle's cabin. They promise each other that they'll teach each other how to fish their favorite way.
One Saturday, Will's father takes Ernie, Will, and Sam (Will's younger brother) to the coast to ocean fish. Will's father does not accompany the boys in the fishing boat and just before he leaves them, he tells them to meet him in six hours.
In a bizarre accident, the boat capsizes and Sam drowns. Afterwards Will asks Ernie to make a promise.
promise me you won't tell anyone
WHAT
i said promise you won't tell
NO I MEAN TELL WHAT
that it was my fault
As Will's life unravels, the bullying increases at school, as well as outside of school.
"Will? Are you going to be okay?"
Diary of a Witness is the story of the ugliness that Will and Ernie had to survive every single day. Will feels like he is forced to find a solution to their problems with the jocks. But can Ernie save Will? Can Ernie protect himself?
Ernie is one of my all-time favorite fictional heroes, and most readers can probably connect to him. His insights are enlightening, thoughtful, full of strength and determination. Many readers can probably connect to Will as well, which makes this book a must-read for middle school students. It's emotionally difficult, but Diary of a Witness forces the reader to think about relationships and how one small thing (good or bad) can lead to a bigger thing.
Rating: 10 out of 10 stars
*Language, religion
To check this book out at NOLS, click HERE!
