The Fourth Stall by Chris Rylander is a humorous and engaging middle-grade novel that blends elements of mystery and adventure. Readers praise its witty dialogue, relatable characters, and clever plot. However, some find the pacing uneven and occasionally implausible. Overall, it successfully captivates its intended audience with originality and charm.

The Fourth Stall by Chris Rylander will captivate middle-grade readers who enjoy quirky, humorous tales with a touch of mystery. Fans of Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or Louis Sachar's Holes will appreciate the clever protagonist and the blend of schoolyard intrigue and witty storytelling.

In Chris Rylander's 2011 contemporary realistic middle grade novel The Fourth Stall, sixth-grader Mac, aided by his best friend Vince, runs a secret business as a fixer in his school. When Mac agrees to protect a fellow student from the notorious criminal Staples, he must navigate the challenges of maintaining his operation while confronting Staples's harmful influence and safeguarding everyone involved. The protagonist uses the term “pissed off” twice.

Humorous / Mysterious / Suspenseful / Adventurous / Playful

- The Fourth Stall received recognition as a 2012 Illinois Reads Book and is included in various middle school reading programs across the United States.
- The author, Chris Rylander, was inspired to write The Fourth Stall by a mix of classic mafia movies and his childhood experiences in the schoolyard.
- The Fourth Stall features a unique mix of humor and mystery, contributing to its appeal among both reluctant readers and fans of whodunits.

Chris Rylander

Middle grade

Novel

The Fourth Stall

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Fourth Stall and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Fourth Stall Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6 

The Fourth Stall Chapters 1-6  Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-12 

The Fourth Stall Chapters 7-12  Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-18 

The Fourth Stall Chapters 13-18  Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-23

The Fourth Stall Chapters 19-23 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 24-29 

The Fourth Stall Chapters 24-29  Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Fourth Stall Character Analysis

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Themes

The Fourth Stall Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Fourth Stall Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

The Fourth Stall Literary Devices

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citation

Important Quotes

The Fourth Stall Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Fourth Stall Essay Topics

The Fourth Stall Teaching Unit

Introduction

The Fourth Stall Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

The Fourth Stall Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

The Fourth Stall Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

The Fourth Stall Reading Questions Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

The Fourth Stall Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activities

The Fourth Stall Activities

Essay Questions

The Fourth Stall Essay Questions

Exam Questions

The Fourth Stall Cumulative Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

The Fourth Stall Exam Answer Key

The Fourth Stall

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Fourth Stall?

Reading Age

Book Details