Wayside School Is Falling Down

March 22, 1989
The wacky school--and unusual characters--first portrayed in Sideways Stories from Wayside School is back. But in the sequel, the students venture further than they dared before--Myron walks down to the basement, Allison finds the nonexistent 29th floor, Mrs. Jewls drops a brand-new computer from the 30th floor, Jenny reads a story backwards, and a substitute teacher turns the tables on the class. Sachar has written 30 tongue-in-cheek, slightly madcap stories that are sure to appeal to the slightly caustic humor that is typical of middle readers. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 8-12.

May 1, 1989
Gr 3-6- -Wayside School is 30 stories high with only one room on each floor. On the top floor is Mrs. Jewls' class, where order has been abandoned in favor of nonsense and silliness. Each of the 30 stories in this collection features an unusual vignette or character sketch. The stories are only loosely tied together, and many have a shaggy dog quality. While adult readers may be left quizzical, children who relish the ridiculous will enjoy themselves tremendously. With bad puns, extended jokes, and an irreverent attitude, Sachar keeps his readers amused. This is a sequel to Sideways Stories from Wayside School (Scholastic, 1988). -Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library