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TL;DR: Bradley Chalkers is the oldest and meanest kid in his fifth-grade class. He lies, threatens other kids and refuses to do homework. When a new school counselor, Carla, starts working with him, she believes in him. With her help and a new friend, Jeff, Bradley slowly learns to change and to believe he can be good.
Table of Contents
There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom at a Glance
| Author | Louis Sachar |
| First published | 1987 |
| Type | Children's novel |
| Best for | young readers who want a funny, touching story about changing |
There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom is a children's novel by Louis Sachar, published in 1987. It is a warm story about self-esteem and second chances. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Very mild; includes bullying and school trouble.
Main Characters
- Bradley Chalkers: A lonely, troubled fifth-grader.
- Carla Davis: The school's kind new counselor.
- Jeff Fishkin: The new kid who befriends Bradley.
- Claudia: Bradley's older sister.
- Colleen Verbie: A girl who likes Bradley.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
The meanest kid
Bradley sits in the last seat of the last row. Nobody likes him. He tells lies, spits at people and talks to a collection of little animal figures at home. When the new boy, Jeff, sits beside him, Bradley tries to scare him away.
The bathroom
Jeff accidentally walks into the girls' bathroom on his way to see the counselor, and the story spreads. Jeff becomes friends with Bradley anyway.
Carla
Bradley is sent to the counselor, Carla, who is kind, funny and patient. She listens to him and believes he can change. Bradley begins doing his homework and even decides to go to a birthday party.
Changing
Bradley starts trying. He does homework, earns a gold star and makes friends. But some parents and teachers believe Carla is not strict enough, and they plan to remove her.
Goodbye
Carla is let go. Bradley is upset, but he realizes he can keep improving on his own. He writes Carla a letter, showing how much he has grown, and he continues to believe in himself.
5 Key Takeaways
- Everyone deserves a second chance.
- Kindness can change a child's life.
- Changing takes time and effort.
- Believing in yourself is powerful.
- Friendship helps people grow.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Being “bad” can be a way of hiding fear.
- One person who believes in you can make a huge difference.
- Growth continues even after a helper leaves.
Who Should Read There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom?
Read There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom if you enjoy funny, heartfelt school stories. It suits readers about 8 to 12.
About Louis Sachar
Louis Sachar is an American author born in 1954 in New York. He studied law and briefly practiced before writing full time. He started writing children's books while working as a teacher's aide at an elementary school, which inspired his Wayside School series. His novel Holes won the Newbery Medal and the National Book Award.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom:
- Why does Bradley act so mean?
- How does Carla help him?
- How has Bradley changed by the end?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. It is short, funny and very moving, and it helps young readers understand kids who act out.
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What to Read Next
- Holes by Louis Sachar: Sachar's award-winning novel
- Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar: silly school stories
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio: kindness and belonging at school
Related: 15 Books Like Holes by Louis Sachar You’ll Love: Funny, Clever and Full of Heart · Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar: Summary and Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
What is There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom about?
A troubled fifth-grader changes with the help of a kind school counselor.
Who wrote it?
Louis Sachar, in 1987.
Who is Bradley Chalkers?
The oldest, meanest kid in his class.
Who is Carla?
The school counselor who believes in Bradley.
Why is it called that?
Because Jeff accidentally walks into the girls' bathroom.
What age is it for?
About 8 to 12.
How long is it?
About 200 pages.
Does Bradley change?
Yes, he becomes more confident and kind.
What happens to Carla?
She is let go from the school.
Is it funny?
Yes, and also very touching.
Who are the main characters in There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom?
The main characters are Bradley Chalkers, Carla Davis, Jeff Fishkin, Claudia and Colleen Verbie. Bradley Chalkers: A lonely, troubled fifth-grader. Carla Davis: The school's kind new counselor. Jeff Fishkin: The new kid who befriends Bradley.
Is There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for young readers who want a funny, touching story about changing. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.