There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom

Louis Sachar’s There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom is a funny, heartfelt story that tackles big themes—friendship, self-belief, and change—through the eyes of Bradley Chalkers, a boy who seems like a “troublemaker” but is really just lonely and misunderstood. ✨ What’s so good about it? It balances humour with important life lessons. The characters feel real and relatable, sparking both laughter and empathy. It shows children that everyone can grow and change with support.

reader girl

Louis Sachar’s There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom is a funny, heartfelt story that tackles big themes—friendship, self-belief, and change—through the eyes of Bradley Chalkers, a boy who seems like a “troublemaker” but is really just lonely and misunderstood. It balances humour with important life lessons. The characters feel real and relatable, sparking both laughter and empathy. It shows children that everyone can grow and change with support. Suitable for Upper Key Stage 2 pupils (Year 5–6) who enjoy funny yet emotional stories. Reluctant readers—because the humour draws them in. Children who sometimes feel like they don’t fit in—it reassures them they’re not alone. ChatGPT You said: I'd like some free mantras for a UK primary school about how children are wrapped in rhyme , snuggled in stories and books and poems etc ChatGPT said: Here are some free, school-friendly mantras you could use around your primary school to capture that warm, nurturing feel of children being wrapped in rhyme, story and poetry: ✨ Story & Reading Mantras for Primary Schools ✨ “Wrapped in rhyme, we grow in time.” “Snuggled in stories, we dream big.” “Books are blankets for our imaginations.” “In poems we play, in stories we stay.” “Every page is a hug for the mind.” “We are wrapped in words, warmed by wonder.” “Stories tuck us in, poems lift us up.” “Reading roots us, rhyme lets us rise.” “Books are our comfort, poems are our play.” “Wrapped in stories, ready for the world.” Would you like me to make these into poster-style versions (bright, child-friendly fonts and illustrations) so they can be printed and displayed around your school? You said: Yes please ChatGPT said: It looks like the poster generation didn’t go through properly. Let’s try another way. I can make you a set of printable posters (A4 PDF) with those mantras in bright colours, child-friendly fonts, and little illustrations (books, rhyme ribbons, children snuggled in stories). Would you like me to: Create a set of posters (PDF) – one mantra per page, ready to print, or Make individual image files (PNG/JPEG) for each mantra so you can pick and choose? You said: Write a very short review about there's a boy in the girls bathroom ChatGPT said: Here’s a short, pupil-friendly review you could use: Review of There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom by Louis Sachar is a funny, moving story about Bradley Chalkers, a boy who struggles to make friends and often gets into trouble. With the help of a new school counsellor, he starts to see himself differently and learns how to be kind and confident. It’s a brilliant book that makes you laugh, think, and feel hopeful. Do you want me to pitch this at a child-friendly level for pupils to use in book reviews, or a teacher-style review you could share in a newsletter/assembly? You said: Say what's so good about it and how teachers could use it and which children would enjoy ChatGPT said: Here’s a short, teacher-focused review of There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom: Review of There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom Louis Sachar’s There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom is a funny, heartfelt story that tackles big themes—friendship, self-belief, and change—through the eyes of Bradley Chalkers, a boy who seems like a “troublemaker” but is really just lonely and misunderstood. ✨ What’s so good about it? It balances humour with important life lessons. The characters feel real and relatable, sparking both laughter and empathy. It shows children that everyone can grow and change with support. 📚 How teachers could use it: As a class novel to explore PSHE themes such as kindness, self-esteem, and friendship. For guided reading discussions about character development and making inferences. To link with creative writing—children could write diary entries as Bradley or Carla (the counsellor). 👦👧 Which children would enjoy it? Upper Key Stage 2 pupils (Year 5–6) who enjoy funny yet emotional stories. Reluctant readers—because the humour draws them in. Children who sometimes feel like they don’t fit in—it reassures them they’re not alone. Would you like me to expand this into a ready-to-use staff book recommendation sheet (with a summary, key themes, and suggested classroom activities) for your colleagues? You said: Any content to be aware of ChatGPT said: Yes – There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom is safe and very suitable for upper KS2, but it’s always good to be aware of a few points before using it as a class text: ✅ What to be aware of: Name-calling & bad behaviour: Bradley is deliberately rude, lies, and sometimes bullies others at the start. This is part of his character arc, but teachers may want to discuss why he acts this way and how he changes. Self-esteem & loneliness: Bradley often says he is “the monster” or that nobody likes him, which may resonate strongly with some pupils who feel isolated. It’s a good opportunity for sensitive discussion. Family context: There are hints at a difficult home life—his parents don’t always know how to support him—but it’s handled lightly. Language: Some mild insults are used (e.g. “loser”), but nothing inappropriate for primary. Themes of counselling: Carla, the school counsellor, is key to Bradley’s growth. Some children may connect this to their own experiences of pastoral or outside support.

reader girl

Really enjoyed this one and also read it to my class last year

HannahLEFS

An enjoyable book but I found the relationship between Carla (the school counsellor) and Bradley (a child) off. For this reason, I’m not sure I would read it with a class.

BeckyLF

I liked this book. The message was strong and gave the reader an understanding of difference and mental health difficulties. I found the perspective interesting. I was unsure on the councillor student relationship and how this panned out.

[email protected]

I loved this fiction book. Bradley was such a complex character and I enjoyed reading about his journey. His counsellor, Carla, was my favourite character. She knew just what to say to Bradley. I would recommend this book. It really helps people understand others around them and to always show kindness.

Sally5

It was a fictional book that shows the developments of a child’s behaviour through counselling. It would be a good book to read to pupils to show behaviour can be changed, and the effect it has on other people as a result.

poppymay29

I enjoyed this fiction book as it came as a recommended read. Powerful and emotive language for discussion around various themes- main character’s behaviour and possible reasons for this, bullying, important role of counsellor and character’s redemption and recovery. Favourite character was the main character Bradley Chalkers as his development and back story evolved throughout.

sean23_e

When I was recommended this book I wasn’t enthusiastic about starting it as I didn’t enjoy the book Holes, by the same author when I was in secondary school. However, I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down. Clara was my favourite character, playing an important role in all of the children’s lives, especially Bradley’s. As the story progressed I kept finding myself smiling as I learnt more about Bradley and how he evolved throughout the book. I think this is a book that would work well as a whole class reading book for 8+ and would allow many opportunities for class discussions. There are many scenarios from the story that could be proposed to children and to see how they would handle the scenario.

Taylorc1993

A thoroughly enjoyable book with some quite serious messages about friendship and adolescence. I can see that year 6 reluctant readers would enjoy this one.

LWatto

This is a brilliant read! I have recommended it to my class. Bradley Chalkers is not immediately a character you warm to, but by the end I was cheering him on. I particularly enjoyed meeting his counselor, Carla. This book is funny and heartbreaking at the same time. I liked to short chapters and the author’s engaging style. Definitely a book to read, think about and discuss!

MissGreenReads

Loved this book! It was not what I was expecting from the title but I loved Holes which is part of the reason for choosing this novel. As a teacher, it reminded me of the depth of childrens feelings and that we may not always understand them but we must always be fair and honest no matter what their response is. I would highly recommned this book to any child in my class as I think it gives them an interesting point of view to understand how differently other children respond to situations. What a fantastic book.

kittyrussell