Joe is the third chapter of Sideways Stories From Wayside School. Joe is stuck inside at recess because he cannot count in the correct order, even though he always ends up at the correct number. Mrs. Jewls explains after recess that Joe will one day wake up and be able to count correctly, and that if it weren't for school, it could take as much as 70 years before that happens. One day, Joe wakes up and realizes he is indeed able to count correctly. It is revealed that he has 55,006 hairs on his head, all curly.
Memorable Quotes
Joe: This doesn't make any sense. When I count the wrong way I get the right answer, and when I count right I get the wrong answer.
Mrs. Jewls: (after Joy and Maurecia tease Joe about his inability to count) Now, now. What's easy for you may not be easy for Joe, and what's easy for Joe may not be easy for you.
Joe: If all I have to do is wake up, what am I going to school for?
Mrs. Jewls: School just speeds things up. Without school, it might take another seventy years before you wake up and are able to count.
Joe: By that time, I may have no hair left on top of my head to count.
Mrs. Jewls: Exactly. That is why you go to school.
Notes & Trivia
- Joy is first identified here.