Sideways Stories from Wayside School

Some students behave badly and reap the consequences. Other students find themselves in unpleasant circumstances through no fault of their own. What does this inequity suggest about fairness? What does it suggest about one’s agency in their own conflict?

Foil characters are defined as those who possess opposite characteristics, which thus serve to highlight those character traits. Which of the book’s characters are foils of one another, and how so?

Although many of its premises are fantastical, some scenarios in the book may be useful when thinking about obstacles students face when learning and how best to overcome them. What does the book suggest about how young students learn? How might specific aspects of the book be applicable to real-world classrooms?

Recess is meant as a break from the learning taking place in the classroom, but important lessons are learned on the playground as well. What wisdom is gained on the playground? What role does Louis, the playground supervisor, play in departing this wisdom?

Consider each of the students in the book. Do some accept the absurdity of Wayside School more than others do? Which students struggle with or question its absurdity?

Some aspects of the book are arguably dark, which is not uncommon in some literature for young readers. What is the utility of including dark subject matter in children’s literature? What is the intended effect of such elements in Sideways Stories?

When asked why he is smiling, DJ insists that he does not need a reason to be happy and that, on the contrary, only sadness requires a reason. Do you agree? Why or why not?

What are the consequences for applying logic to illogical situations at Wayside School? What does the book suggest about reason and logic?