Module Six- There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom, Louis Sachar

Sachar, Louis. There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom. New York: Alfred K. Knopf, Inc., 1987.

Summary
Bradley Chalkers sits alone at his desk-last seat, last row- because no one likes him and he likes it that way. He never does his homework, scribbles constantly, tears up library books, abuses hallpasses, and stretches his mouth so wide no one can tell whether he is smiling or frowning. Bradley remains alone until Jeff Fishkin, a new student, is forced to sit next to him. The surprising thing is, Jeff doesn't mind- he actually wants to be friends with Bradley!
Another new "kid" at school is Carla Davis, the school guidance counselor. She and Jeff agree to figure out the school together, while at the same time each one of them help Bradley in their own way. Jeff by simply being a friend, and Carla by helping Bradley learn how, not what, to think. Slowly but surely, Bradley becomes lovable, makes friends, and even does his homework.

Impressions
This is one a book you should not judge by its cover. At first glance, title and cover art look so ridiculous, you feel embarrassed to be reading such a book. In fact, I remember wanting to read this book in fifth grade but being too worried about what my friends and teacher would say to check it out. Despite its title and jacket art, this book is the most charming and honest book I have ever read about being different, making friends, and being in elementary school I have ever read. This book is so endearing, it has become one of my very favorites.

Reviews

There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom. Kirkus Reviews. Accessed September 27, 2010 from http://www.powells.com/biblio/7-9780394805726-0.

"A humorous and immensely appealing story...Readers are likely to come away with the sense that they've been rooting for themselves too."

Gale, David. School Library Journal, Apr87, Vol. 33 Issue 8, p103. Retrieved September 27, 2010 from Academic Search Premier database.

“An unlikely protagonist, Bradly Chalkers is a friendless, lying, insecure bully who is the oldest boy in his fifth-grade class. In this humorous novel that tells of Bradley’s learning to like himself and to makes friends, Sachar ably captures both middle-grade angst and joy. Bradley’s triumph comes through the friendship of a new boy at school and the help of the new school counselor. Readers, like the astute counselor, can see the strengths that Bradley has, and will cheer at his minor victories and cringe at his setbacks along the way. The story in unusual, witty, and satisfying, if not always believable: a few instances just do nto work. For instance, even though Bradley has not been doing his homework, his complete ignorance of it is unlikely, and his total unfamiliarity with birthday parties is too extreme for a ten year old, even on who hadn’t been to a party in three years. Yet Bradley’s need for acceptance even as he holds back from classmates who might mock or hurt him is genuine, and his eventual success will gratify readers.”

Suggestions for Library Use
Because Bradley and Jeff are ten or eleven year old boys, this should be included in a GUYS READ program. The story has just enough humor and adventure, not to mention black eyes, to really appeal to boys. It is an excellent example of how to overcome who you don't want to be, and at the same time teaches how to treat people who are different.