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Books in the series Wayside School

4 books in this series

Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar

Sideways Stories from Wayside School

by Louis Sachar1 of 4

Welcome to Wayside School, a place where everything is just a little bit... sideways! Originally intended to be thirty classrooms side-by-side, a builder's mistake resulted in a school thirty stories tall. This classic collection of stories by Louis Sachar introduces readers to the eccentric students and teachers of the thirtieth floor, where the logic is backwards and the laughs are non-stop. From a teacher who turns students into apples to a boy who can only read upside down, every chapter offers a new, hilarious surprise.

This book is perfect for children who love absurd humor and episodic storytelling. It is an ideal choice for reluctant readers or those transitioning into longer chapter books, as each short story stands on its own while building a wacky world that kids will want to revisit. If your child enjoys the silly logic of Roald Dahl or the quirky characters of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, they will find Wayside School to be an unforgettable destination.

Highlights:

  • A unique, episodic structure that makes it easy for young readers to follow.
  • Full of laugh-out-loud moments and surreal, imaginative scenarios.
  • Memorable characters that celebrate individuality and quirkiness.
  • A timeless classic that has entertained generations of middle-grade readers.
Ages 8-9Middle Grade
Chapter BooksMiddle Grade Fiction+3 more
Wayside School Is Falling Down by Louis Sachar

Wayside School Is Falling Down

by Louis Sachar2 of 4

Welcome back to the wackiest school in literature! Wayside School Is Falling Down is the hilarious second installment in Louis Sachar's beloved series about a school that was accidentally built thirty stories high—with one room on each floor. This book is perfect for children who love absurdist humor and quirky, unpredictable stories. From the mysterious Mushroom Surprise in the cafeteria to the bizarre antics of the students on the thirtieth floor, there is never a dull moment in Mrs. Jewls's class.

This collection of thirty interconnected stories is an ideal choice for readers interested in funny school adventures. Sachar's clever wordplay and relatable yet exaggerated characters like Maurecia, Calvin, and Bebe make this a page-turner for reluctant readers and bookworms alike. It is a great choice for families to read together, as the wit appeals to both kids and parents. If your child enjoyed the first book, they will zoom through these fast-paced, silly chapters that celebrate the joy of being different.

Highlights:

  • Features 30 hilarious and surreal stories about the students of Wayside School.
  • Perfect for fans of Roald Dahl and Dav Pilkey.
  • Engaging format with short chapters that build reading confidence.
  • Explores themes of friendship and individuality through a lens of pure fun.
Ages 8-9Middle Grade
HumorMiddle Grade Fiction+2 more
Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger by Louis Sachar

Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger

by Louis Sachar3 of 4

Welcome back to the wackiest school in literature! In Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger, Louis Sachar takes readers back to the thirty-story building where everything is slightly off-kilter. With Mrs. Jewls away on maternity leave, the students must deal with a series of substitute teachers who are even stranger than the school itself. From a teacher who can hear thoughts to one who steals voices, the absurdity reaches new heights in this beloved installment of the classic series.

This book is perfect for children who love surreal humor, quirky characters, and short, punchy chapters that keep them engaged. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in funny school stories that defy logic and celebrate the imagination. Parents will appreciate how Sachar uses wordplay and logic puzzles to challenge young minds while keeping them laughing out loud. It's a great choice for reluctant readers who need a fast-paced, entertaining story to build their confidence.

Highlights:

  • Hilarious and surreal logic puzzles that engage critical thinking.
  • Short, episodic chapters perfect for bedtime reading or independent practice.
  • Relatable classroom dynamics wrapped in a fantastical, absurd setting.
  • A diverse cast of quirky students each with their own unique personality.
Ages 8-9Middle Grade
Chapter BooksMiddle Grade Fiction+2 more
Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom by Louis Sachar

Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom

by Louis Sachar4 of 4

Wayside School is back in session with the long-awaited fourth installment of Louis Sachar's beloved series. In Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom, the students of Mrs. Jewls's class on the thirtieth floor face their strangest challenge yet: a giant, ominous Cloud of Doom hovering directly over the school. While the kids deal with the usual absurdity of Wayside—like collecting a million toenail clippings and dealing with 'oppositosis'—they must also prepare for the high-stakes Ultimate Test. This book perfectly captures the silly, surreal, and heartwarming essence that has made the series a staple for generations.

This story is an ideal choice for readers who enjoy wacky humor and unconventional school settings. It is perfect for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Captain Underpants series but are looking for something with a touch of magical realism and clever wordplay. Parents will appreciate how Sachar uses humor to explore relatable childhood anxieties about testing and the unknown. Whether your child is a long-time fan or new to the thirtieth floor, this book offers a fast-paced and hilarious reading experience.

Highlights:

  • Features the return of fan-favorite characters like Sharie, Kathy, and Jason.
  • A hilarious and relatable exploration of school-related stress and the 'Ultimate Test.'
  • Perfect for fans of absurd humor, wordplay, and short, engaging chapters.
  • Ideal for middle-grade readers who enjoy stories that blend reality with the fantastical.
Ages 8-9Middle Grade
Chapter BooksMiddle Grade Fiction+3 more