The first book in this loose series (you don't have to read them in order) is SIDEWAYS STORIES FROM WAYSIDE SCHOOL where you are introduced to the crazy class on the 13th floor. Beware of the teacher, Mrs. Gorf, she might turn you into an apple, but don't worry, the kids in her class are pretty crafty. Chances are you won't get eaten.

In the next book, WAYSIDE SCHOOL IS FALLING DOWN, the craziness continues with the same characters from the first book. Believe me, things don't get any less strange...in fact, I think they get even weirder. You'll even get to explore the mysterious classroom of Miss Zarves (you hear about her in the first book) on the 19th floor. The fact that there is no 19th floor makes this more than bizarre.

The third book, WAYSIDE SCHOOL GETS A LITTLE STRANGER, is the last one in the series...so far. I hope that Louis Sachar writes more about Wayside because these books are so much fun. In this book, the cafeteria cook, Miss Mush, prepares a special lunch of baked liver and purple sauce (an unwelcome change to the usually unwelcoming Mushroom Surprise), it's Pet Day on the 13th floor, and a substitute teacher is coming. You know that can only mean trouble.

After reading these books, you may wish you went to Wayside School, and if one day you find yourself there, remember this important warning: Whatever you do, don't even think about going to the basement. That's all I'm going to say about the basement and about Wayside, you'll have to read the books to find out what's lurking down there and in the other zany floors of this not-so-normal school.

--- Dana Schwartz