Louis Sachar restores my faith that it is possible to write something hilarious about school without completely demeaning both children and teachers. I made it exactly six pages into this before I laughed out loud. Wayside school is a bit twisted. It’s for kids with a smart and off sense of humor. This book should appeal to both boys and girls, as the stories involve fun and interesting characters of both genders.
Age Recommendation: Given the level of vocabulary, I would say that advanced third graders could read this, but that it’s probably more on a fourth grade level.
Great for: Short attention spans. Sideways stories is thirty (super short – 4 page) chapters long. Each chapter is a unique but related story. For kids that have trouble sustaining reading, this is a great choice. It’s also so funny that even reluctant readers may find themselves laughing aloud.
This would also make a great read aloud for teachers. The short chapters are perfect because you have plenty of natural stopping places, and the book will surely capture your class’s attention.
Sex, Nudity, Dating – A boy gets kissed on the nose. Another boy gets stuck to a chair and they debate cutting off his pants to free him.
Profanity – “darn,” “stupid,” and “dumb”
Death, Violence and Gore – A bit of banging heads on walls and people slapping themselves in the face. Robbers enter holding guns. A girl’s name is Bebe Gunn. A bit of biting and punching and kicking. There is threat to knock out someone’s teeth. There’s a dead rat. A kid says that next time he gets a cat he’ll kill it so it can never run away. A teacher is turned into an apple and eaten. A girl considers selling her toes to be used as little hot dogs.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – None
Frightening or Intense Things – None
Turned into an apple and eaten?? I’m in!!!
For myself, I love the bit about the toes!!