Wayside School is Falling Down

Todd brings a toy puppy to class. All the children coo over how sweet the toy puppy is. Joy decides to steal the toy from Todd. The bell rings, and Mrs. Jewls scolds the children, telling them to get into their seats. She tells Todd to write his name on the discipline list on the board, even though he is the only student who was already in his seat. Despite Todd’s consistent good behavior, he gets into trouble every day; each day by noon, his name is on the discipline list with a check and a circle, and he is sent home on the kindergarten bus. While Todd is writing his name on the board, Joy tries to sneak the toy dog out of his desk. The toy falls on the floor, and Mrs. Jewls makes Todd bring it to her. When she sees how cute the toy is, she gives Todd a lollipop and tells him that he can erase his name from the board. Joy is now even more determined to steal the toy. At recess, Todd shows the other students how the cute toy dog transforms into a scary wolf. He is just about to show them “the best part” when the bell rings (58).