The Fourth Stall

I absolutely LOVED this book. The two main components - baseball and a mystery/thriller for middle graders hooked me right away. But, don't think this is a hardcore read, humor was woven into the story line as well, making the book well-balanced and real. Reading a book from the perspective of a sixth grade boy and seeing everything from his eyes really pulled me in. At some points, I would revert to my own thoughts as a mother - how could his parents let him do that, or how could they not know what was going on, but then I would remember that maybe they were aware, but the whole point of the book was to see things from Mac's eyes, not an adult's. Definitely not a perspective you read much in middle grade. I loved the relationship between Mac and Vince and seeing how they dealt with the problems they needed to solve and how those problems impacted their bond as friends.

Chris Rylander's book, The Fourth Stall, is a good book for both adults and children. It is a book obviously aimed at young adult readers. The story is about a boy who runs a business from a toilet stall. He gets kids into movies, provides test questions, and other favors middle school kids would want. However, there is a threat to his business when another rival sets up shop, although with more serious transactions such as betting and fixing the outcome of school sports. All of this is handled with a good ear for the dialogue and camaderie of young kids. Why adults will like it as well is from the homage book cover to the way the business is conducted, it is a kids parody of the Godfather, which hopefully most kids have not seen but many adults have.

On a secondary note, Mr. Rylander was willing to talk to my creative writing class on Skype and was a wonderful interview. He was enthusiastic and gave great answers to young writers.

The cover design of the copy I reviewed spoofs "The Godfather", and this book is in many ways a little too much like a story about organized crime. I recommend that parents read this book first, before deciding to allow their kids to.

The background is plausible enough. A student, Mac, runs a business in school solving problems for kids. While some of the problems Mac solves aren't completely legal (getting underage kids into an R-rated movie, for instance) he deals honestly with the kids themselves. A gambling ring moves into the school and comes into conflict with his business. It plays out in many ways like a real organized crime conflict would: there are "hits" (kids are ordered beat up more than once), thievery, deception and betrayal, an apparent attempted murder (really!), and a dead rat.

Having said that, the book is very much an adventure. Kids of sufficient age will likely enjoy it. The cast of characters is interesting, and Mac and his cohorts pull off a few capers in the process of solving their problems. Plus, a valuable lesson is taught that things may not always be as we perceive them.

Reading this book was fairly amusing considering it's like the Godfather set in the sixth grade. The characters are also funny, both the major ones and the minor ones. The plot is interesting enough although the ending was a little anti-climactic. I feel like there was this attempt at fleshing out a villain that seemed incompleted and generally lacking in something. The idea of Mac's business is clever, and I liked how he used favors or hired people to do certain jobs for him, because that usually involved something funny that I appreciated reading.
Sometimes though, the lines between "this is funny and cute" and "that's a really harsh thing to be happening to a 6th grader" really blurred and I wasn't always sure what it was that the author was trying to do. It just switched too quickly and too randomly from being light-hearted to being pretty serious every so often. Minor things like that confused me while reading, but overall it was a decent read.
I'm not entirely sure whether or not kids would genuinely enjoy this book, because they might not get references to certain mafia movies and the like. As I said before, it's a pretty amusing read but it would most likely appeal more to boys than it would to girls. Though I'm never against giving a "boy book" to a girl or a "girl book" to a boy, I'm just sayin'. I like that at the very focus of all this there's a cool relationship between Mac and his best friend Vince, because I think that's always a great thing for kids to read about. There's also some lessons on forgiveness and sympathy, which I think is also great *but* there are also a few ideas in there on running an operation in your own school so give to your kids at your own risk. ;p

Summary:

Mac and Vincent are die-hard Chicago Cub fans and have been best friends since Kindergarten. They run a lucrative business, solving other kid's problems, with their main office being the fourth stall of an unoccupied boy's school bathroom. They make bank. Their goal is to save up enough money to buy World Series Cub Tickets, if the Cubs ever make the World Series. This year the Cubs are closer than ever at making it to the World Series and business is booming! But when a bully, called Staples, moves into their territory, far more than just their business is threatened.

Ramblings:

BACKGROUND

Chris Rylander was born and raised in North Dakota. He is happily married, loves movies, sports and music. He also is known for eating jelley with a spoon. The Fourth Stall is his debut novel and is intended for the middle grader reader aged nine through twelve. Chris has planned a sequel to this book which will be released in February 2012.

SETTING, PACE AND & STYLE

The Fourth Stall takes place mainly in a grade school setting. Chis Rylander writes in a light, humorous tone, reminiscent of authors like Ronald Dahl or Beverly Cleary. The pace in this story is very fast, with lots of action along the way. Chris is a wonderful storyteller. The story is told in a first person narrative from the perspective of the male hero of the book, Christian or "Mac" as he's known by his peers. Occasionally during his narration Mac will go off on a tangent, but no matter where he leads the reader, he/she will be more than willing to follow.

CHARACTERS & PLOT

The characters in this story are well fleshed out and the author gives very descriptive narratives about each one, every time the reader is introduced to someone new to the story. The author's careful attention to these finite details is one of the stand out aspects of the book.

The main character in this story is Mac, a sixth grader who is small for his age, but has great problem solving skills. His best friend, Vince, is his penny pinching business partner. He's smart, witty and has a knack for finding thrifty ways to solve tough problems. Then, there is little Fred, a third grader who is troubled by the new bully in town, Staples. Staples was somewhat of an Urban Legend, a young man who doesn't even attend school at all, but has moved into town and starting playing unfairly, cheating young kids out of their money hand over fist.

The main plot and general theme of this story revolves around good versus evil, but the author also explores many what ifs. For example, what if you were cheating kids out of money for a good reason, is this justifiable? It also explores bullying and its fallouts.

Recommendation:

I strongly recommend this book to middle grade readers who like books by Ronald Dahl or Beverly Cleary. The Fourth Stall an easy to finish, fast paced book which will keep the young reader engaged page after page. This particular book would especially suit young boys, since its written by a male from a male perspective. Adults looking for something different or a humorous, entertaining read should also give this book a shot. Parents beware, this book does contain some violence (fighting). Issues aren't always resolved in a conventional way, but the book gives a realistic portrayal of how life could be for a male sixth grade student.

PERSONAL NOTE

Ok, this book is so AWESOME I could just go on forever about what a pleasure it was to read. I finished it in record time because it just kept me turning pages. I wanted to know what was going to happen to the characters, I felt I had a vested interest in them. I just loved Mac and Vince's relationship, how they played off each other's talents. The baseball trivia present in the story was a unique addition to the storyline, especially if you happen to be a Chicago Cubs fan.

Hands down, my favorite part of the story, secondary to the humorous delivery, was the way Rylander described his characters. He gave them each unique personalities and quirky traits making them stand out in my mind, they are all unforgettable.

One last thought, even though this story has a sequel, coming out in February 2012, Chris did a nice neat job of wrapping up this story in the end and it definitely could be read as a stand alone novel. Chris Rylander is certainly an author I will be following in the future.

RATING
This book was absolutely a joy to read. It was a real page turner and definitely will not disappoint. I can't think of a single reason to give it anything other than FIVE Rings! Don't miss this one. Its just too creative to pass up!

5 out of 5 Rings

Christian who goes by the nickname Mac runs a business in school, helping other students out with this problems. Vince is Mac's best friend and partner. Mac's office is the fourth Stall in East Wings boys bathroom. Mac has built a name for himself and does great business. Everything is threatened when Mac learns that Staples, a high school crime boss is setting up business at his school.

There are a few other (not many) very fun middle grade novels in the same vein as The Fourth Stall. Though this one stands apart because Mac isn't all that good. Mac will help other students get answers to test or sneak into PG 13 movies. After Mac said in his business he helped other students cheat, I was like uh-oh. Though then I remembered its fun to read about a character who would do something you would never do. Mac is definitely the good guy here. He's a great friend to Vince and listens to his parents.

Mac must figure out a way to get Staples operation in his school closed down. He is forced to ask the school bullies for help. One of the books strengths is back information. Mac, outlines all nine bullies, from Nubby to Kitten the top bully. Also in the beginning Mac explains how he came to acquire the fourth stall as his office. The explanation fit smoothly into the story and made sense.

Rylander tells a good and entertaining story. Some of it, like high school students going to war with middle grade students is a bit over the top. Though Mac's likability and his friendship with Vince keeps it grounded. Mac and Vince love the Chicago Cubs. They do their best to stump each other with Cubs trivia.

My favorite small character was Tyrell, the schools best spy. Mac only uses his services when he has no other choice. When Mac realizes there's one of his people is giving Staples insider information, he calls on Tyrell.

When I first saw the cover of The Fourth Stall, I thought it was something I would enjoy. I was right. This is a great suggestion for fans of Grief Carver, Hallway Patrol by Jim Krieg, The Big Splash by Jack D. Ferraiolo or Half Moon Investigations by Eoin Colfer

This is a great book for middle schoolers, and is humorous and enjoyable for anyone who has seen the Godfather movies, and entertaining for younger readers.
The book centers around Mac and Vince, two best friends who run a business solving kids problems, and getting paid for it. I won't go too far into the plot, but a high school crime boss named Staples tries to infiltrate their school, and Vince and Mac have to see who they can trust and who betrays them. The story is not too long, and stays entertaining throughout. It reminds me of Diary of a Middle School Nobody and is a great book. It's well written, and strikes a good balance between dramatic and humorous. Overall this book is a great book for middle schoolers and anyone younger and even adults will enjoy the book and it's many references to the Godfather, as well as any kids interested in business or reluctant readers (in short, almost any kid will love this book!)

Have you ever heard of a bully named Staples ?

There's these two kids named Mac and Vince who can help you. Do you need something at middle school. Mac can get it for you. For a small fee Macs office is open during recess in the east wing boys bathroom The Fourth Stall.

I would say that overall. The Fourth Stall is a pretty good book it is very descriptive and detailed its very suspensefull you can't put it down put it down. You can't stop reading it. And this book is filled with action, humor, and friendship.

The Fourth Stall is a great novel for ages 8+ so I recommend you read this.

Reminiscent of the American classic, The Godfather, The Fourth Stall is a tale of warring business leaders/crime bosses fighting for control of the same turf, a local school. Rylander has crafted a story filled with action, mystery, and humor while paying respects to the American classic gangster genre.

Mac (whose real name is Christian who is nicknamed MacGyver shortened to Mac - I know, confusing, right?) and Vince, both 6th graders, run a very profitable business from the fourth stall in the boys' bathroom in the east wing of their school. Their business is solving problems for any student, from obtaining hallpasses and answers to tests, to sneaking underage kids into rated R movies. Business is booming as their clients pay in either cash or favors owed at a later time. At this rate, Mac and Vince will have enough money saved to attend the World Series if their beloved Cubs can make it there. Soon, however, it all becomes threatened when the legendary Staples moves in and jeopardizes the business and everything Mac and Vince hold dear. Will their business, and more importantly their friendship, survive?

The Fourth Stall is brilliant in its nod to the American gangster motif, beginning with the cover art and continuing throughout the story. First, we have the character of Mac, our mafia boss hero. Mac is a savvy, almost adult-like business man who runs a tight ship with help from his loyal, smart, and funny best friend, Vince. In true mafia style, Mac and Vince help students out of situations, exacting payment in cash or through the promise of a future favor for services rendered. These favor IOUs have grown into a hefty network that Mac can pull from to accomplish almost any job in an impressive fashion.
As in all good mafia stories, you need a competing family or business. In this case, it is the legendary Staples. Although Staples is not a student at the school, he runs a gambling ring, employing students as bookies, money collectors, and enforcers. Using fear, intimidation, and brute force along with stealthy backstabbing and manipulation, Staples attempts to bring down Mac and Vince and take control of all business in the school. Also in true mafia tradition, Staples offers Mac employment hinting at the adage that it's not personal, it's just business.
Many themes of the mafia genre play out here as well, such as loyalty, friendship, and betrayal. Rylander performs masterfully weaving these themes through his story in a believable manner, and we find ourselves questioning our judgments and assumptions right along with the characters. As friendships become strained and ultimately tested, Mac must ponder the importance of business and friendship and is forced to make tough choices.
Even though The Fourth Stall is so wonderful because of all its mafia references, including the use of the famous quote, "I'll make him an offer he can't refuse," this story can stand alone and will be enjoyable to anyone not familiar with the mafia genre. By itself, this story is filled with interesting dilemmas, creative plans, and intriguing characters. Even if the reader misses all of the mafia references, the story will still entertain and raise the questions of friendship and betrayal in poignant ways.
There was one other delightful aspect to The Fourth Stall which makes this novel a gem, and that is humor. Rylander uses Vince as not only Mac's best friend, business partner, and brains behind the operation, but as the levity of the novel as well. Vince is constantly quoting his ancient, somewhat confused and crazy grandmother who utters nonsensical statements and believes that moonmen are living in her purse. This addition is quite delightful in an otherwise pretty serious story.
The finishing touch, the cherry on the top for me is the end. All throughout the book, Rylander writes in the mafia genre. However, when all is said and done, the questions are answered and the plot is complete, Rylander suddenly switches to another American classic genre, the detective noire. (detective stories based on the black and white 1940's detective films. These films were very stylized and predictable, containing stereotypical characters and devices). At the very end of the story, a girl walks into Mac's office and he immediately launches into the classic beginning detective monologue. It is priceless, and I hope Rylander continues this genre in his next book.

There were two main drawbacks for me in The Fourth Stall. Let me preface them by saying that I realize that these issues may not be drawbacks to the young adults this book is being marketed to.
1) The Situation - I am not sure that the plot of The Fourth Stall is totally believable. I'm unsure as to whether this situation could have reached the intensity and level of danger it did without outside interference or without anyone (parents, teachers, any adult) catching on. Which leads me to the next drawback ...
2) The Adults - There are virtually no adults in this novel. Sure, parents, teachers, and other grown-up authority figures are mentioned in passing, but they are all easily dismissed. Rylander seems to make the point that adults are ignorant, ineffective, and inconsequential. His position seems to be that adults will only make matters worse. Adults are not portrayed as a viable source of assistance or support at all. There are instances of physical beatings, coercion, and extortion occurring on school property, and no one seems aware of it.
The only adult given any acknowledgment is the school janitor. He is the only adult given any real coverage in the novel, and it is still relatively small. This janitor is the one "cool" adult according to Mac. Mac had solved a problem for this janitor prior to the start of the story (this is how Mac and Vince gained use of the east wing boys' bathroom), and now this janitor will do favors for Mac whenever needed, such as loaning him keys and leaving the school unlocked. My problem with this character is the fact that the janitor never questions or investigates what Mac is up to. Even though Mac is a good kid and has helped him out in the past, shouldn't the janitor be slightly curious or concerned that Mac is asking for the key to other kids' lockers and the tool shed? Or, shouldn't he wonder a bit why Mac needs to school left open after hours? Isn't it the janitor's responsibility as a school employee and an adult to make sure all is well?
I understand that this is fiction, and the idea of kids being self sufficient and not dependent upon adults is appealing to young readers. And, I was still able to enjoy the novel and characters despite the unrealistic lack of adult presence. However, as I was reading, I did stop and wonder about it a few times.

There is violence in the novel. A number of students are beaten up, some of which is brutal. However, the beatings are not described in bloody detail. There are also cases of lying to parents and teachers.

Despite the drawbacks, I completely enjoyed The Fourth Stall. I appreciated the mafia references and the humor. And, the messages of friendship and the power of forgiveness was delivered with honesty and simplicity.

I liked this book because this is the total opposite of what happens in a real school and is put in a very funny way! Mac is a sixth grader and has a business and he solves problems for people and he does that for some money and small favors. He has to take down staples, a bully who has legends about him. It will be tough to take him down as he should not believe everything he sees or hears! This book is a nonstop adventure, comedy, and is a good book! I recommend it to readers who like all three of these things!

The Fourth Stall
By Chris Rylander
The Fourth Stall is a book about two kids who own a business in the fourth stall in the abandoned East Wing boys' bathroom of their school. The main character is Mac, is short and agile. Vince, Mac's business partner and best friend, run a business that solves other kid's problems. Vince is athletic and friendly. Staples is their enemy. He is tall and muscular, and he is taking away most of their customers. He gets kids to gamble

The Fourth Stall is about Vince and Mac operating a crime business in their office, The Fourth Stall. Although they aren't alone, Staples plans to take over the school using underage betters. Read this funny and easy-to-understand book to find out what happens next! My opinion on the book is that it is very deep and makes you really think about what happens next. A great read for 5th and 6th graders! My only negative opinion about this book is that there is some cursing.

Great characters and dialogue but wow, these kids are doing a lot of bad things and getting into dangerous situations without letting adults know. I told my kid not to do ANYTHING the characters in this book did, and if he is ever threatened by older, bigger bullies, to tell me or a teacher/principal.

I tutor students in reading and writing, and this book was THE book that got one of my students to like reading! He sat down and devoured the last 100+ pages in an afternoon. He was beaming!

Although this student was a boy, and the story seems geared toward boys, I also had another about-to-be 6th grade girl dive into it too! I am over 40 years old, and I loved it!

This is fun and very well written book. English is my second language, and it has been a long time since I was a teenager, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The humor is great and the writing style is very engaging. I was having trouble putting it down to go to bed at nights.

Sixth graders Mac and Vince run their business out of the 4th stall in the East Wing boys' bathroom. They will solve your problem - any problem - for the right price. But when they take a case that pits them against a high school gang leader, they discover there are some problems that are too big for 11-year-olds to handle. The book is filled with an unusual level of violence considering the 9-11 year-old intended readership. Fights, kicking, biting, and more are described. While he is being beat up, Max reports, "The air shot out of me and a sharp pain stabbed my stomach.... It hurt worse than I ever would have imagined it.... I wheezed for air.... that's when the side of my face exploded" (with the next punch). Way too violent for middle school literature. They should probably change the age recommendation.

Two sixth-grade Cubs fans run an underground business from the bathroom stall of their school. What kind of business? They problem-solve. Got bully trouble? Need help with a test? Mac and Vince are your guys. If you're short on cash, you can pay with favors. I had very high expectations of this book. It did not disappoint. A LOL and touching story about two best friends.

The forth stall is a story that tests the frendship between the main character, Christian aka Mac, and his 'best' friend, Vince.Together they run a business to help anyone with a problem. But one day, a boy named Fred comes on with a problem. Aperson known as 'the Staples' is treatening the whole school. But will Mac and Vince be able to stoop him? Follow them in this AMAZING story and do yourself a favour. Read it. Now.

This was by far my favorite book ever. There was mystery, cliff hangers, excitement and breaking the rules all round.It was exciting and amazing. Chris Rylander does an outstanding job of conbinining the best features in a book

This is a horrible summer reading book for rising sixth graders. Gangster style, bookies, and generally a miserable read. I could not wait to be done with it. Geared more toward boys than girls. If you are into beating elementary, middle school aged kids up for not paying on their gambling debts by high school and older thugs with pit bulls, then this is the read for you!