In the whimsical world of Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar, nothing is ever as it seems—and that’s exactly what makes it so delightful. Published by Bloomsbury with new illustrations, this children’s classic is a collection of absurd, hilarious, and often poignant tales set in a school unlike any other.
The titular Wayside School is an architectural anomaly: a 30-story tower where every floor is a classroom—except for the 19th, which mysteriously doesn’t exist. The students and teachers who populate this gravity-defying structure are just as unconventional. From Mrs. Gorf, the teacher who turns students into apples, to Leslie, whose pigtails have surprising uses, each chapter introduces a new oddity. These eccentricities are often tinged with deeper truths, making the stories resonate with children and adults alike.
What sets Sideways Stories apart is Sachar’s mastery of absurdity. He doesn’t just bend the rules of reality; he gleefully shatters them, crafting tales where logic takes a backseat to creativity. Yet beneath the surface, the book slyly explores universal themes like fairness, friendship, and the quirks of human nature.
For young readers, the short chapters and engaging humor make it an easy entry into the world of literature. For adults revisiting the book, it offers a nostalgic reminder of the joy of unbridled imagination.
If you’re looking for a read that blends the surreal with the relatable, Sideways Stories from Wayside School will transport you to a world where the unexpected is always around the corner—or perhaps, the next floor.