The Fourth Stall

by Chris Rylander Narrated by Mike Rylander

Overview

Do you need something? Mac can get it for you. It's what he does-he and his best friend and business manager, Vince. Their methods might sometimes run afoul of the law, or at least the school code of conduct, but if you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can pay him, Mac is on your side. His office is located in the East Wing boys' bathroom, fourth stall from the high window. And business is booming.

Or at least it was, until one particular Monday. It starts with a third grader in need of protection. And before this ordeal is over, it's going to involve a legendary high school crime boss named Staples, an intramural gambling ring, a graffiti ninja, the nine most dangerous bullies in school, and the first Chicago Cubs World Series game in almost seventy years. And that's just the beginning. Mac and Vince soon realize that the trouble with solving everyone else's problems is that there's no one left to solve yours.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Here is an original-a story that really gets how guys are pals. It’s also funny, mysterious, and true to the heart of what really matters when you are in middle school. Do yourself a favor. Read it. Now. — Jon Scieszka, author of the Time Warp Trio series

Debut novelist Rylander mines a substantial amount of humor and heart from this combination hard-boiled crime novel and middle-grade character piece. A light and enjoyable caper. — Publishers Weekly

Draws in even the most apprehensive young reader… A robust story rich in action, adventure, humor, and friendship. — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

Mac narrates the tale with the arch flatness of a 1940s satire of the noir detective genre…Excellent. — ALA Booklist

Jon Scieszka

Here is an original-a story that really gets how guys are pals. It’s also funny, mysterious, and true to the heart of what really matters when you are in middle school. Do yourself a favor. Read it. Now.

ALA Booklist

Mac narrates the tale with the arch flatness of a 1940s satire of the noir detective genre…Excellent.

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

Draws in even the most apprehensive young reader… A robust story rich in action, adventure, humor, and friendship.

Kirkus Reviews

Need something? Test answers, a hall pass, a doctor's note or a video game? Mac can get it for you. Just come to his office—the fourth stall from the high window in the East Wing boys' bathroom. He's only a sixth grader, but he owns his school—at least until legendary bad guy Staples shows up with his henchman, the Collector. Then, a turf war ensues, and people start getting hurt. Rylander's debut, billed as "Diary of a Wimpy KidmeetsThe Sopranos," demonstrates the dangers for those caught in the middle when bullies run the school. Mac's story may center on his office in the fourth stall (and sport a graphically terrific cover), but it is hardly flush with excitement, as it slowly delineates the chesslike match between schoolboy godfathers, setting up the final confrontation move by move. Although it will likely shed readers along the way, it implies a sequel at the end, and those who make it to the final pages will look forward to it.(Fiction. 9-13)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940173833495
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	02/08/2011
Series:	Fourth Stall , #1
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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