Title: Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Author: Judy Blume
# of Pages: 120
Reading Level: Q
Summary according to Goodreads:
Life with his little brother, Fudge, makes Peter Hatcher feel like a fourth grade nothing. Whether Fudge is throwing a temper tantrum in a shoe store, smearing mashed potatoes on the walls at Hamburger Heaven, or trying to fly, he’s never far from trouble. He’s an almost three-year-old terror who gets away with everything, and Peter’s had it up to here!When Fudge walks off with Dribble, Peter’s pet turtle, it’s the last straw. Peter has put up with Fudge for too long. Way too long! How can he get his parents to pay attention to him for a change?
Review:
I remember this classic being read aloud to my class when I was in 3rd or 4th grade. As I kid, I was always curious and hanging onto each word to find out what Fudge would do next and hear Peter's reactions. One of my guided reading groups this past school year read this novel, and I couldn't help myself but to go back down memory lane with Fudge and Peter.
You follow along with Peter as he narrates what life is like with his little brother Fudge. Judy Blume does a wonderful job helping you feel the irritation and sadness of Peter when he doesn't receive the same amount of attention as Fudge as well as the understanding and growth when he learns time and time again that his parents do truly love him - not less and not more than Fudge.
It's a fast read that has readers turning pages to find out what the next shenanigans will be that Peter, Fudge and their friends find themselves into.
How to Incorporate into the Classroom:
~ Class read aloud
~ Small group for guided reading
~ Whole group novel study
