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.
Great giveaway.
Would love to add these to my children’s library.
I’d love to read this rather unusual book 🙂
Thank you for hosting this giveaway
Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
This looks great! Please enter me!
bethsbookreviewblog2 AT gmail DOT com
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!
Found this on Twitter. Looks like a great site. Thanks for offering the giveaway.
Happy Reading!
Would love to win either of these!
Sounds like an entertaining story 🙂 Thanks.
many thanks for this interesting giveaway.
My great-nephew has finally gotten into
reading and I know he would enjoy these
two books!
Many thanks for this fabulous opportunity…
Cindi
These books sound just like what my middle school students would love. Please enter me for an opportunity to win. Thank you.
I would love to add these books to our library. Great Review! Thanks for the opportunity to win!!
Our grandson(s) would love these!
someluckydog at gmail dot com
looks good-great cover
I would love to win this book for my grandchildren, sounds like excellent reads to me.
My grandkids would love either of these books!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
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.
I would love to win a copy of this book.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I’d love to win these for my son and my students!
This book sounds like such fun. WOuld love to win a copy for my daughter’s 6th grade reading class. Thanks for the giveaway
Would love to win this for my students!
Thank you!
kbruechert at gmail dot com
Sounds wonderful! Would love to read it with the boys.
Loved part I and excited to read part II and share it with students!
Sounds perfect for my kiddos!
I’d love to read this with my son!
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!!!
Would love to read them with my fifth-grader! Thanks!
My sons are always looking for recommendations of books.
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!