本書以一位九年級生 Philip Malloy 的視角，探討自由、責任與校園規範之間的張力。因英文成績不及格而無法加入田徑隊，Philip 認定老師對他有成見，於是想出辦法希望能因此轉班。他選擇在升旗時違反「國歌保持安靜」的校規，用哼唱製造衝突，卻意外捲入全國媒體的爭論中心。作者 Avi 以冷靜而精準的筆觸呈現一場看似微小的校園事件如何在各種情緒與立場交錯下被放大，也帶出青少年在自我認同與外界期待間的碰撞。In this thought-provoking examination of freedom, patriotism, and respect, ninth-grader, Philip Malloy, is kept from joining the track team by his failing grades in English class. Convinced that the teacher just doesn't like him, Philip concocts a plan to get transferred out of her class. Breaking the school's policy of silence during the national anthem, he hums along, and ends up in a crisis at the center of the nation's attention.This Newbery Honor Book by acclaimed author Avi joins the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels. Includes exclusive bonus content!In this thought-provoking examination of freedom, patriotism, and respect, ninth grader Philip Malloy is kept from joining the track team by his failing grades in English class. Convinced that the
