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The Fourth Stall, Part II, Review and Giveaway

February 18, 2012 by Dawn

Last year, Chris Rylander introduced us to Mac, a sixth-grader who has set up shop in an old, unused boys’ bathroom, from which he runs his business in The Fourth Stall (linked to my review). He’s in the business of helping kids out with their problems, and business is good. Now Mac is back, and the problems kids are bringing him are bigger than ever in The Fourth Stall, Part II.

When Trixie von Parkway comes to see Mac in his bathroom stall office, he knows from the start that this job is going to be different. It probably doesn’t help that Trixie (if that’s even her real name) makes him stumble over his words or feel instantaneously goofy, but it’s even more than that. The request that she brings him is just the first of several that leave Mac wondering if he can actually find a way to successfully complete these jobs.

When Trixie’s story starts to unravel a little, Mac discovers that she may not be telling him the whole truth. As he and his trusty assistants try to put the pieces together on that front, the puzzle only gets larger as more and more odd things are happening at the school. From the mysterious animal droppings that are being found in lockers to the sudden and surprising school lunch menu changes, kids are wondering what is going on. Add to it all, the upcoming SMART exams (Standardized Minimum Aptitude Reviewer Tests) have everyone, teacher and students alike, in a tizzy. Could the pieces all lead to a teacher or a school administrator? Is Mac way out of his sixth grade league here? What will he do when his entire school is on the line?

Ah, there’s some suspense in this middle grade novel, and there are just enough mysteries to keep even “reluctant readers” turning the pages. Filled with the same irreverent tone that evokes the watered down “tough guy” caricature that Rylander introduced in the first novel, the second installment continues Mac’s adventures and introduces some greater challenges to his ability to continue his business. I found this one to be more plot-driven than the first, with less of an emphasis on the friendship between Mac and his best friend/business partner Vince and more of a focus on the characters’ attempts at figuring out what is happening in the school. The Fourth Stall, Part II kept me entertained and gets a hearty endorsement from my own 11 year old son, too!

Giveaway time! We have two books for a lucky winner- a hardcover copy of The Fourth Stall, Part II and a paperback copy of last year’s The Fourth Stall, both with bookplates signed by the author Chris Rylander. Please leave a comment here to be entered (US and Canada addresses only), and the winner will be announced on 3/7.

Dawn likes returning to middle grade fiction for some innocent, light reading, as well as to connect with what keeps her own son excitedly turning the pages. She blogs at my thoughts exactly.

Filed Under: Children's Books, Dawn, Middle Grade Chapter Books

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Comments

  1. riTa says

    February 18, 2012 at 7:05 am

    Great giveaway.
    Would love to add these to my children’s library.

  2. ♡♥♬ Louis ♬♥♡ says

    February 18, 2012 at 7:09 am

    I’d love to read this rather unusual book 🙂
    Thank you for hosting this giveaway

    Louis
    pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com

  3. Beth says

    February 18, 2012 at 10:57 am

    This looks great! Please enter me!

    bethsbookreviewblog2 AT gmail DOT com

  4. Donna says

    February 18, 2012 at 12:05 pm

    My students enjoyed the first – would lovwe to be able to supply the second one. The more they argue over who gets it, the more I know they are actually reading!

  5. Kristen says

    February 18, 2012 at 12:47 pm

    Found this on Twitter. Looks like a great site. Thanks for offering the giveaway.

    Happy Reading!

  6. Tammy Gordon says

    February 18, 2012 at 3:05 pm

    Would love to win either of these!

  7. Joy says

    February 18, 2012 at 3:32 pm

    Sounds like an entertaining story 🙂 Thanks.

  8. anne says

    February 18, 2012 at 3:55 pm

    many thanks for this interesting giveaway.

  9. Cindi says

    February 18, 2012 at 4:38 pm

    My great-nephew has finally gotten into
    reading and I know he would enjoy these
    two books!
    Many thanks for this fabulous opportunity…
    Cindi

  10. Sandra Stiles says

    February 18, 2012 at 7:19 pm

    These books sound just like what my middle school students would love. Please enter me for an opportunity to win. Thank you.

  11. Jennifer J says

    February 18, 2012 at 11:06 pm

    I would love to add these books to our library. Great Review! Thanks for the opportunity to win!!

  12. Cindy Brooks says

    February 18, 2012 at 11:38 pm

    Our grandson(s) would love these!
    someluckydog at gmail dot com

  13. tennille says

    February 19, 2012 at 1:25 pm

    looks good-great cover

  14. Marjorie says

    February 19, 2012 at 2:11 pm

    I would love to win this book for my grandchildren, sounds like excellent reads to me.

  15. Beth C says

    February 19, 2012 at 7:38 pm

    My grandkids would love either of these books!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

  16. Taryn says

    February 19, 2012 at 7:56 pm

    My copy of The Fourth Stall was permanently borrowed by a student last year and I just saw the sequel was out last week. The first one was so great– love the humor.

  17. Linda Kish says

    February 20, 2012 at 12:46 am

    I would love to win a copy of this book.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  18. Carolyn says

    February 20, 2012 at 3:39 pm

    I’d love to win these for my son and my students!

  19. DIANNE says

    February 20, 2012 at 5:27 pm

    This book sounds like such fun. WOuld love to win a copy for my daughter’s 6th grade reading class. Thanks for the giveaway

  20. Katie B says

    February 20, 2012 at 6:55 pm

    Would love to win this for my students!
    Thank you!

    kbruechert at gmail dot com

  21. Bin says

    February 22, 2012 at 8:06 am

    Sounds wonderful! Would love to read it with the boys.

  22. Dana Schreiner says

    February 22, 2012 at 1:27 pm

    Loved part I and excited to read part II and share it with students!

  23. Barb says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:12 pm

    Sounds perfect for my kiddos!

  24. Staci A says

    February 28, 2012 at 8:45 pm

    I’d love to read this with my son!

  25. Deana Small says

    March 5, 2012 at 9:52 pm

    My son is right into reading these kinds of books, but he has yet to read this series. Would love to have him start. Thanks for this great giveaway. Books are a great gift!!!

  26. Jen says

    March 6, 2012 at 12:24 am

    Would love to read them with my fifth-grader! Thanks!

  27. Gary says

    March 6, 2012 at 7:02 am

    My sons are always looking for recommendations of books.

  28. garcia7168 says

    February 9, 2013 at 1:34 pm

    Just learned about this from my son. now, I’m actually considering reading it for myself. I’m more of a Lee Child, Jeffrey Deaver kind of reader but all these positive reviews have me interested!

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