More Sideways Arithmetic From Wayside School (Wayside School 2.60)

Imprint

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“Huh?”

That is the reaction I have heard most often from kids who have read ‘Sideways Arithmetic From Wayside School’.

I’ve also gotten lots of letters from kids who say things like,

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“Dear Mr. Sachar,

I liked your book ‘Sideways Arithmetic From Wayside School’, but I don’t understand the problems.”

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Now I don’t understand how kids can like the book if they don’t understand the problems. Maybe they’re just being polite.

But it’s not just kids. Teachers have also confided in me that they didn’t understand the book.

So you may be wondering why I have written this sequel. It is because I think the problems are a lot of fun. They were fun for me to make up, and they are fun to solve — once you get the hang of it.

Yes, the problems are hard. You have to think. You can’t just read quickly through it, like the other Wayside School books. You may want to ask a parent or teacher to help you get started, although like I said, many adults will have trouble, too. Actually I think this would be a great book for a parent and child to figure out together. The parent could help the child, and vice-versa.

You do not need to read ‘Sideways Arithmetic From Wayside School’ first. Some of the problems in that book are harder than the problems in this book. Some may be easier.

I organized this book a little differently, and I think that should help. At the back of the book, there are ‘clues’, ‘hints’ and finally, ‘answers’.

The ‘clues’ tell you how to begin to try to solve each problem. That is very important. Probably the hardest part of each problem is just trying to figure out where to begin. Once you figure out how to get started, the rest of the problem is much easier.

A ‘hint’ will give you part of the answer.

And the ‘answer’ will tell you the answer.

(Duh!)

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Chapter 1

Why Boys and Girls Are Silly

Allison’s birthday was next Saturday. She brought birthday party invitations to class. She invited every girl in Mrs. Jewls’s class, but only two boys, Jason and Stephen.

Jason wasn’t sure he wanted to go. “Why don’t you invite some more boys?” he said.

“I can’t,” said Allison. “Two are okay. But if more than two boys come, then all the boys start acting real silly.”

“That’s right,” said Rondi. “Two’s the limit, when it comes to boys.”

“That’s ridiculous,” said Jason.

“I’m insulted,” said Stephen.

“It’s true,” said Allison.

Just then Joe and John came over. “What’s going on?” asked John.

“Allison says if more than two boys get together, we all act real silly,” said Stephen.

“That’s dumb!” said John, pounding his fist on a desk. “Ouch!” he exclaimed, and shook his hand in the air.