They're Torturing Teachers in Room 104

``Hellions'' is too mild a word to describe the sixth graders in Room 104. Many teachers have attempted to tame them, but all have been driven away by this diabolical crew. Enter Rebecca Merriweather, a woman of indeterminate age, who convinces the principal to give her a job teaching the class. The kids in Room 104 meet their match in this curious character, who magically transforms the classroom's appearance with her secret weapon--a talking door named Sidney. When the students walk through it, they receive glimpses of the terrifying future that awaits them if they don't straighten out. Piasecki fills this farfetched, moderately amusing story with plenty of wisecracks and flippant dialogue that kids will enjoy. Unfortunately, he also adds a ridiculous subplot--reminiscent of a third-rate movie--that follows the slapstick antics of one of the student's fathers. Ages 8-12. (Aug.)