Review -- The Fourth Stall, by Chris Rylander

Before we go any further here, it's important that you know a little bit about my book reviews. Brief. To the point. Honest. Read it or not. Now that we're square, you can read on. Wait, there's another thing you should know. I paid someone a lot of money to get this synopsis of The Fourth Stall. For some reason, when it comes to this book things don't come easy. I'm either paying someone a lot of money to do something or a dark figure is lurking around the corner. It's starting to give me the willies. Anyway, here's the synopsis. Enjoy it before that dark figure threatens me and makes me take it down.    

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.

In The Fourth Stall, author Chris Rylander strikes a chord with middle grade readers. He touches on friendship, loyalty, trust, fears, and, low and behold, entrepreneurship. He does this with humor and heart, which are two components of many successful (and effective) middle grade novels. No matter how one defines success in a novel, Mac (the main character) and Vince's (Mac's best friend and partner-in-crime) story resonates with middle grade readers. Here are few comments from my sixth grade students to prove it:

 "The Fourth Stall is an amazing book. It made me suspect everyone but the actual culprit, and made my jaw hit the ground when I found out who it was." -Chloe B.

"The Fourth Stall is easily one of my favorite books. It's fast-paced with adventure or mystery waiting at every corner. I would stay up till 1 AM reading this book. I would recommend The Fourth Stall to all of my friends. I enjoyed every bit of this book and congrats to Chris Rylander on your first book. I am looking forward to the next one to come out." -Ethan G.

"I loved the book. Really liked the concept and how it connected to 6th graders. I also really liked the dialogue and humor."  -Aren B.

"The Fourth Stall was an excellent book. I couldn't put down the book. It was full of suspense and excitement." -Daniel D.

"The Fourth Stall was one of my favorite books of all time. It had a very relatable story and very comical characters." -James H.

So there you have it, from the mouths of 12 year-olds. And just when you thought your day couldn't get any better....You can win a SIGNED copy of The Fourth Stall! Here's how:

• Leave a comment.
• Name a person you will pass the book to after you're finished reading it.
• The person you pass the book to must be under 14 years-old.

After all, *Trix (and this book) are for kids.

Okay, that's all folks. I'm outta here before that dark figure comes looking for me. 
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*Chris Rylander is a cereal aficionado.