The Fourth Stall

By Chris Rylander
(Walden Pond Press, Hardcover, 9780061994968, 320pp.)

Publication Date: February 2011

Other Editions of This Title: Paperback, Hardcover, Paperback, Hardcover

Categories: Social Issues - Friendship, Humorous Stories, Law & Crime

Selected by Indie Booksellers for the Spring 2011 Kids' Next List

“Fans of The Godfather will delight in the clever story of Mac, the middle-school 'fixer,' and his posse of 'business associates,' who meet each day in the east wing boys' bathroom to solve their classmates' problems. Solve for a fee, of course, or a favor to be requested at a later date. All is well in Mac's world until Fred enters the fourth stall from the window -- Mac's office -- asking for protection from the infamous Staples. Can Mac solve his biggest problem, yet keep his lucrative business and his friendships intact? This is a book 'that you can not refuse!'”

-- Lori-Jo Scott, Island Bookstore, Kitty Hawk, NC

Description

Do you need something? Mac can get it for you. It's what he does—he and his best friend and business manager, Vince. Their methods might sometimes run afoul of the law, or at least the school code of conduct, but if you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can pay him, Mac is on your side. His office is located in the East Wing boys' bathroom, fourth stall from the high window. And business is booming.

Or at least it was, until one particular Monday. It starts with a third grader in need of protection. And before this ordeal is over, it's going to involve a legendary high school crime boss named Staples, an intramural gambling ring, a graffiti ninja, the nine most dangerous bullies in school, and the first Chicago Cubs World Series game in almost seventy years. And that's just the beginning. Mac and Vince soon realize that the trouble with solving everyone else's problems is that there's no one left to solve yours.

About the Author

Chris Rylander is the author of the Fourth Stall saga, of which you are holding the final installment in your hands right now. A fan of strawberry jam, one-armed cowboys, and the Chicago Cubs, he lives in Chicago.

Praise For The Fourth Stall…

Here is an original-a story that really gets how guys are pals. It’s also funny, mysterious, and true to the heart of what really matters when you are in middle school. Do yourself a favor. Read it. Now.
-Jon Scieszka, author of the Time Warp Trio series

Debut novelist Rylander mines a substantial amount of humor and heart from this combination hard-boiled crime novel and middle-grade character piece. A light and enjoyable caper.
-Publishers Weekly

Draws in even the most apprehensive young reader… A robust story rich in action, adventure, humor, and friendship.
-Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

Mac narrates the tale with the arch flatness of a 1940s satire of the noir detective genre…Excellent.
-ALA Booklist

This book is on these lists:

My Picks for Books for Boys for Gifts by tzufelt

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