Sideways Stories from Wayside School

In the Introduction, the speaker clarifies that the builder misunderstood the blueprints and constructed Wayside School “sideways.” That is, instead of a single-story building with 30 classrooms, the building is 30-stories high with a single classroom on each floor. The building error provides the groundwork for the strangeness that ensues within Wayside School. Although there is nothing innate to a 30-story building that would cause illogical circumstances, this premise is presented without question. However, a classroom on the 30th floor creates conflict for several students, as the task of climbing so many stairs plays a role in their respective dilemmas. For example, Dameon misses the movie while traveling between the playground and 30th floor to relay questions, and Deedee cannot obtain the best ball at recess because students on lower floors claim them before she can reach the playground.

The building’s literal 30 stories (floors) are made symbolic by the 30 stories (tales) contained in the book. Each student, in turn, warrants his or her own story because each student faces a unique challenge. This kind of playfulness is carried into the individual chapters, permitting the unreal and fantastical circumstances that ensue. Ultimately,

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