Meet the delightfully eccentric and unusually gifted pupils of Wayside School in this instalment of the brilliantly quirky Wayside School series – from Louis Sachar, author of the bestselling novel Holes As recommended on Radio 4 Kids Book Club, August 2024 There has been a terrible mistake. Instead of having thirty classrooms side by side, Wayside School is thirty storeys high! (The builder said he was sorry.) Perhaps that's why all sorts of strange and unusual things keep happening – especially in Mrs Jewls's classroom on the very top floor. There's the terrifying Mrs Gorf, who gets an unusually fruity comeuppance; Terrible Todd, who always gets sent home early; and Mauricia, who has a strange ice-cream addiction. Meanwhile, John can only read upside down, and Leslie is determined to sell her own toes. From top to bottom, Wayside is packed with quirky and hilarious characters who are all brought to life in this new edition with delightful illustrations by Aleksei Bitskoff throughout. This is an unmissable, irrepressible story of mixed-up mayhem from Louis Sachar, the bestselling author of Holes.

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Louis Sachar
Author
Louis Sachar is an American young-adult mystery-comedy author. He is best known for the Wayside School series and the novel Holes.
Sideways Stories From Wayside School
by Louis Sachar
Books Like Sideways Stories From Wayside School
If you're looking for books similar to Sideways Stories From Wayside School, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
Holes
Louis Sachar
Another classic by the same author, this novel follows Stanley Yelnats, a boy sent to a juvenile detention camp where he is forced to dig holes every day. The story blends humor, adventure, and unexpected connections, much like Wayside School's quirky narrative style. Stanley uncovers a mysterious family curse and the strange history of the camp. It's a compelling tale of friendship, justice, and unexpected twists.
Matilda
Roald Dahl
A story about a precocious young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers. Similar to Wayside School's eccentric characters, Matilda navigates a world of bizarre adults with wit and creativity. She uses her remarkable abilities to overcome challenging situations and find her place. The book combines humor, magical elements, and a celebration of childhood intelligence.
Wonder
R.J. Palacio
A heartwarming story about a boy with a facial difference navigating school life. Like Wayside School, the book celebrates unique perspectives and individual experiences. Auggie faces challenges with courage and kindness, teaching important lessons about empathy. It's a touching narrative about acceptance and understanding.
The Phantom Tollbooth
Norton Juster
A whimsical adventure about a bored boy named Milo who receives a magical tollbooth that transports him to a fantastical world. Like Wayside School, the book is filled with wordplay, absurd humor, and imaginative characters. Milo learns valuable lessons about curiosity and imagination as he travels through a land where words and numbers come to life. It's a playful, intelligent story that challenges conventional thinking.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Roald Dahl
A magical story about a poor boy who wins a golden ticket to tour a mysterious chocolate factory. Similar to Wayside School's imaginative setting, the book presents a world of incredible and bizarre experiences. Charlie encounters strange characters and learns important life lessons through his extraordinary adventure. It's a whimsical tale of imagination and unexpected opportunities.
The Giver
Lois Lowry
A thought-provoking story about a seemingly perfect society with hidden complexities. Similar to Wayside School's unconventional approach, the book challenges readers' perceptions of normality. The protagonist discovers the truth about his community and must make difficult choices. It's a profound exploration of individuality and societal constraints.
A Wrinkle in Time
Madeleine L'Engle
A science fiction adventure about children traveling through space and time. Like Wayside School, the book embraces imaginative and unconventional storytelling. Meg Murry and her companions embark on a cosmic journey to rescue her father. It's a blend of science, fantasy, and personal growth that challenges traditional narrative boundaries.
The Witches
Roald Dahl
A darkly humorous tale about a young boy who encounters a group of witches plotting to turn children into mice. Like Wayside School, the story blends comedy with unexpected twists and surreal scenarios. The protagonist must use his wits to survive and outsmart the witches. It's a playful yet slightly dark narrative that keeps readers engaged.
The BFG
Roald Dahl
A story about a young girl who befriends a Big Friendly Giant who catches dreams. Like Wayside School, the narrative is filled with imaginative scenarios and quirky characters. Sophie and the BFG form an unlikely friendship and work together to stop other giants from eating children. The book combines humor, adventure, and magical thinking.
The Mysterious Benedict Society
Trenton Lee Stewart
A story about gifted children recruited for a secret mission. Like Wayside School, the book features extraordinary characters with unique abilities. The children must use their intelligence and teamwork to solve complex challenges. It's a clever, engaging narrative that celebrates individual differences and creative problem-solving.
The Tale of Despereaux
Kate DiCamillo
A unique story about a small mouse with unusual characteristics who falls in love with a human princess. Similar to Wayside School's unconventional narrative, the book weaves together multiple perspectives and unexpected plot threads. Despereaux challenges traditional mouse behavior and embarks on a heroic journey. It's a charming tale of courage and breaking stereotypes.
The Wild Robot
Peter Brown
A unique story about a robot stranded on a wild island, learning to survive and adapt. Similar to Wayside School's imaginative storytelling, the book presents an unusual protagonist in an unexpected setting. The robot forms relationships with wildlife and discovers her own capabilities. It's a creative exploration of belonging and understanding.
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