There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom facts for kids
The first edition cover
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| Author | Louis Sachar |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Yearling |
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Publication date
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1987 |
| Media type | Print (Paperback) |
| Pages | 208 pp |
| ISBN | 0-394-80572-0 |
| OCLC | 247557223 |
There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom is a popular book written by Louis Sachar in 1987. It tells the story of Bradley Chalkers, a fifth-grade student who is known for being a bully. The book shows how Bradley's actions and feelings change with help from a school counselor. The funny title comes from a moment when a new student, Jeff, accidentally walks into the girls' bathroom. This happens when a teacher gives him wrong directions to the counselor's office.
Contents
Discovering Bradley's Story
This book is about Bradley Chalkers, a fifth-grade student who is the oldest in his class. He had to repeat fourth grade. Bradley usually sits at the back of the classroom. He often scribbles or cuts paper instead of listening to his teacher. He even feels proud when he gets an "F" on his tests. Bradley wants everyone to dislike him. He thinks if people hate him, they will leave him alone. And it seems like everyone, including his teachers, does hate him.
A New Friend and a Counselor
A new student named Jeff Fishkin moves to the school from Washington, D.C.. The only empty seats are next to and in front of Bradley. Jeff tries to be friendly with Bradley, but it doesn't work at first. Then, a new counselor named Carla Davis joins the school. Carla is excited to meet Bradley. She wants to be his friend and help him show his kind side. Bradley tries to resist her help. He feels confused about his feelings for Carla and other people. This causes problems with his classmates.
Bradley's Big Changes
As Bradley spends more time with Carla, he slowly starts to change. He begins to do his homework and gets along better with his parents. Carla lends him her favorite book, My Parents Didn't Steal an Elephant. Bradley believes this book is magical and helps him change.
Friendship and Parties
The story also follows Jeff and a girl named Colleen Verigold. They seem to like each other. Bradley used to think girls were "gross." He especially disliked Colleen's friend, Lori. At first, Bradley gets annoyed when Jeff says "Hi" to Colleen. Later, Carla tells Jeff and Colleen about Zen Buddhist monks who say "Hi" to each other. This helps them understand friendship. Bradley later shows his friendship to Jeff by saying "Hi" to him. As Bradley changes, he gets invited to Colleen's birthday party. He even wins games and gets a harmonica as a prize. He also earns respect from the other girls.
Saying Goodbye to Carla
Sadly, many parents do not like Carla. Colleen's mother gets upset with Carla. She thinks Carla is teaching religion and counseling Colleen without permission. Because of this, Carla is fired and becomes a kindergarten teacher. Bradley is very upset when he hears this news. He threatens to go back to his old ways. He misses saying goodbye to Carla. But he finds a package she left for him. It contains a goodbye note and her favorite book. Bradley slowly accepts that Carla is gone. He writes her a goodbye letter and sends his favorite toy, a small china rabbit named Ronnie, with it.
Meet the Characters
Here are some of the important characters in There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom:
- Bradley Chalkers – He is seen as the meanest kid in school. But after meeting Carla, he learns to believe in himself. He realizes that if he thinks he's a "monster," he might become one. Bradley often struggles to smile properly.
- Carla Davis – She is the school counselor. Carla prefers to guide students to do the right thing instead of just telling them. Students like Jeff, Bradley, and Colleen like her. However, many parents do not, thinking a counselor is not needed. Carla helps Bradley change by believing in him and giving him confidence.
- Jeff Fishkin – He is the new kid and Colleen's crush. Jeff often says "hello" or "hi" automatically when greeted. He becomes Bradley's only friend at first, even though he was paid a dollar. Later, they become true friends when Bradley acts nicer. Jeff is also known for accidentally walking into the girls' bathroom, which inspired the book's title.
- Colleen Verigold – She is Jeff's crush. She has a birthday party and invites Jeff and Bradley. She was unsure about inviting Bradley until she saw how much he had changed.
- Melinda Birch – Colleen's strong best friend. She often argues with Bradley but likes him more by the end of the book.
- Lori Westin – She is known as the biggest gossip in school. Bradley calls her "Lori Loudmouth" because she annoys him.
- Mrs. Chalkers – Bradley's mother. She cares for him and sometimes treats him like a baby. She tries to help him despite his behavior.
- Mr. Chalkers – Bradley's father. He works for the police department. He and Bradley fight at first but grow closer when he helps Bradley with homework. He changes his mind about the school counselor after seeing how much she helps Bradley.
- Claudia Chalkers – Bradley's older sister. She often teases him. But she can be kind, like when she buys him a china bear or helps him with math.
- Ronnie – Bradley's favorite toy, a china rabbit. In his imagination, Ronnie is a real, happy rabbit who loves Bartholomew. She has a broken ear from Claudia. Bradley gives Ronnie to Carla as a special gift. Ronnie represents the friendship Bradley wants.
- Bartholomew – Bradley's china bear. Claudia bought him for Bradley. In Bradley's stories, Bartholomew is a hero who loves Ronnie. He represents who Bradley wants to be: a hero with friends and someone who loves him.
- Mrs. Ebbel – Bradley's teacher in Room 12. She does not believe Bradley can succeed. She shares her worries with Bradley's mother.
