THE FOURTH STALL

Need something? Test answers, a hall pass, a doctor’s note or a video game? Mac can get it for you. Just come to his office—the fourth stall from the high window in the East Wing boys’ bathroom. He’s only a sixth grader, but he owns his school—at least until legendary bad guy Staples shows up with his henchman, the Collector. Then, a turf war ensues, and people start getting hurt. Rylander’s debut, billed as “Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets The Sopranos,” demonstrates the dangers for those caught in the middle when bullies run the school. Mac’s story may center on his office in the fourth stall (and sport a graphically terrific cover), but it is hardly flush with excitement, as it slowly delineates the chesslike match between schoolboy godfathers, setting up the final confrontation move by move. Although it will likely shed readers along the way, it implies a sequel at the end, and those who make it to the final pages will look forward to it. (Fiction. 9-13)