The Fourth Stall

Mac Barnett's The Fourth Stall follows sixth-grader Christian "Mac" Barrett, who runs a problem-solving business from a disused bathroom stall at his middle school. With his best friend and business partner Vince, Mac helps students deal with bullies, obtain test answers, and navigate other school-related troubles—all for a price. The operation runs smoothly until a third-grader arrives with news about Fred, a high school crime boss who's muscling in on Mac's territory. Mac must decide whether to stand his ground against this new threat or walk away from the enterprise he built. The story combines elements of noir detective fiction with the realities of middle school life, creating a unique take on the school-based narrative. Through alliances, betrayals, and calculated risks, Mac learns about loyalty, power, and the complexity of right versus wrong. The Fourth Stall explores themes of friendship and morality while examining how children create their own systems of order within the adult-governed world of school. The novel poses questions about the nature of justice and the price of maintaining control.

Readers describe this book as a middle-grade version of The Godfather, with many appreciating its blend of humor and schoolyard politics. Parents and teachers note it appeals to reluctant readers, especially boys aged 9-13. Liked: - Fast-paced, engaging plot - Authentic kid dialogue and relationships - Balance of comedy with serious themes - Strong male friendship portrayal - Appeals to both strong and struggling readers Disliked: - Some parents object to themes of gambling and extortion - A few readers found the premise unrealistic - Final act feels rushed to some Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (180+ reviews) Common Sense Media: 4/5 Notable reader comment: "Finally found a book my son couldn't put down. He read it in two days and immediately asked for the sequel." - Amazon reviewer "The moral ambiguity makes for good discussions with kids." - School librarian on Goodreads

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🏫 Author Chris Rylander wrote The Fourth Stall while working as a claims adjuster, often drafting chapters during his lunch breaks. 📚 The book has been compared to "The Godfather" for kids, featuring a sixth-grade "businessman" who runs his enterprise from a disused school bathroom. 🎬 The story was inspired by classic mob movies and the author's own middle school experiences of watching kids run small-scale "businesses" trading candy and doing favors. 🏆 The Fourth Stall spawned two successful sequels, creating a complete trilogy that follows the main character Mac's adventures in middle school organized crime. 🌟 The novel was selected as a 2011 Kirkus Reviews Best Book for Children and earned praise for its unique blend of humor, friendship themes, and noir-style storytelling.