Sachar creates a deliberately strange setting in his descriptions of Wayside School. What are some of the peculiar aspects of this building, and how do these oddities support the book’s larger thematic ideas and facilitate specific stories, such as Allison and Myron’s adventures?

Many of the characters are mentioned only in passing, while others make recurring appearances. Choose a recurring character who is not central to any given story and explain how Sachar manages to offer detailed characterization through a few passing mentions.

Some of the events in these stories are designed to be frightening. Choose at least two stories that contain a darker tone or more ominous events and explain how Sachar balances the premise of such stories with a more lighthearted tone.