Sideways Stories from Wayside School summary

Unusual Happenings at Wayside School

In Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar, we are introduced to Wayside School, a thirty-story building that was accidentally built sideways. The school has no 19th floor, but it does have a 13th floor, and the classrooms are stacked on top of each other. Each chapter in the book tells a different story about the unusual happenings at the school.

Among the many eccentric characters in the book, we meet Mrs. Gorf, a mean teacher who turns her students into apples when they misbehave. The students, however, outsmart her and she ends up as an apple herself. We also meet Louis, a student who has a knack for breaking everything he touches, and Kathy, a girl with a talent for drawing beautiful pictures, but only when she is upside down.

Quirky Teachers and Students

One of the teachers, Mrs. Jewls, is known for her unusual teaching methods. She teaches her class about gravity by dropping her coffee cup out the window, and about arithmetic by making her students count the bricks in the playground. She also has a student named Joe, who is so smart that he is sent to the 19th floor, which, as we know, doesn't exist.

Another interesting character is Todd, who is always in trouble. When he is asked to write a story, he writes one about a girl named Bebe Gunn who shoots the teacher. However, Todd's story turns out to be a hit, and he becomes a school hero.

More Unusual Events

As we continue to explore Wayside School, we encounter more strange occurrences. The students in Mrs. Gorf's class, who were turned into apples, are eventually restored to their human form. But the transformation leaves them with apple-shaped heads, which they happily accept as their new normal.

Additionally, the school is visited by a cow who is looking for her lost calf. The students and teachers are unable to help her, but the cow eventually leaves, promising to come back the next day. She keeps her promise and returns every day, even though her calf is never found.

A Unique and Whimsical School

Despite its unusual setting and bizarre events, Wayside School is a place of acceptance and friendship. The students and teachers, each with their own quirks, are all part of a unique and whimsical community. The stories in this book are not just about the strange occurrences at the school, but also about the bonds formed by the characters and the lessons they learn.

In conclusion, Sideways Stories from Wayside School is a delightful collection of tales that takes us on a journey through the eccentric world of Wayside School. The book is filled with humor, wit, and imagination, making it an enjoyable read for both children and adults alike.