From three-time Newbery Honor author Gary Paulsen comes a laugh-out-loud novel about six wacky misfits who get stuck together in a school restroom and discover friendship.

It seemed like a normal school day, until a horrible storm forced the very cautious school administration to make everyone hole up in a safe place. Six students find themselves stuck in a tiny, questionably smelly space—a school bathroom—with a stuffed cat for entertainment. Hijinks ensue and the unexpected happens. They enter as strangers…and leave as friends.

Get to know the story even better with a special script that accompanies the novel, so any six kids can get together with their friends and perform the story anywhere they’d like.

About The Author

Photo by Ruth Wright Paulsen

Gary Paulsen

Gary Paulsen (1931–2021) was one of the most honored writers of contemporary literature for young readers, author of three Newbery Honor titles, Dogsong, Hatchet, and The Winter Room. He wrote over 100 books for adults and young readers.

Product Details

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (May 10, 2016)
Length: 144 pages
ISBN13: 9781481452250
Ages: 8 - 12
Lexile ® 930L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

Raves and Reviews

"[L]ikable characters and a nice dose of humor. Twice."

– Kirkus Reviews

"A quick read for fans of relationship fiction."

– School Library Journal

"The novel’s contained setting and rapid-fire dialogue gives the story a theatrical quality that Paulsen taps into directly by retelling the entire story in screenplay form, complete with stage directions, at the end. Both versions provide opportunities for thought and conversations about self-honesty, stereotypes, and making friends in unexpected situations."

– Publishers Weekly

"As usual with Paulsen, there’s lots of middle-grade appeal here, and the book should find plenty of fans."

– Booklist

"Gary Paulsen fans will enjoy this high-interest, intriguing, humorous, and unexpected story."

– School Library Connection