The Fourth Stall

The humor of Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets a Godfather-like tale of crime and betrayal in this first book in Chris Rylander's The Fourth Stall Saga.

Do you need something? Mac can get it for you. 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 boy's bathroom, fourth stall from the high window. And business is booming. Or at least it was, until this particular Monday. Because this Monday is when Mac and Vince find out that the trouble with solving everyone else's problems is there's no one left to solve yours.

The school setting; fast-paced, cinematic, and funny story; and engaging voice make The Fourth Stall a perfect classroom read.

Supports the Common Core State Standards

• Secret Business: Meet Mac, a sixth grader whose office is the fourth stall in the boy’s bathroom. He’s the guy who can solve any problem, from forged hall passes to getting you into an R-rated movie.
• Friendship and Loyalty: Backed by his best friend and business manager, Vince, Mac runs a tight operation. But their bond is put to the test when a new threat arrives at school.
• Middle Grade Mystery: When a legendary school crime boss named Staples moves in on their territory, Mac and Vince have to solve their biggest problem yet—their own.
• Standing Up to Bullies: This isn’t just about stolen lunch money. Mac has to outsmart a much older, more dangerous rival to protect his clients, his business, and his friends.

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.

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