Book Review of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
The Children’s Book Review
Written by Judy Blume
Ages 7+ | 144 Pages
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers | ISBN: 9780525469315
What to Expect: Sibling Rivalry, Realistic Fiction, and Humor
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (published in 1972) is the first of five books in a SUPER entertaining series about Peter Warren Hatcher and his younger brother Farley Drexel Hatcher, also known as Fudge. This story has captivated and entertained children for generations because it’s hard not to get swept up in the lovable yet infuriating antics of Fudge.
Everyone just loves little ‘Fudgie’, and fourth grader Peter can’t understand why. Fudge is always in Peter’s way, he messes up everything he sees, and he throws temper tantrums in public. Why can’t their parents see that Fudge is annoying, embarrassing, and always causing trouble? Does anybody care about Peter? Or is he just a fourth-grade nothing? What can Peter do to make his parents see what a terror Fudge really is? This heartwarming tale reminds us of the joys and challenges of having siblings and how they shape our lives. It’s easy to feel a connection to the sibling relationship portrayed in the book, and it’s hard not to chuckle at the hilarious situations that arise.
Did you know this beloved book had an unlikely source of inspiration? Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing was inspired by a small news article about a child swallowing a turtle, which ignited Judy Blume’s creativity and led to the creation of this beloved series. Interestingly enough, the book had a rocky start, being rejected by many publishers before finding a home and becoming an all-time favorite.
Whether reading by flashlight late at night or sharing Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing with a new generation, this timeless classic will continue to delight readers young and old.
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About the Author
Judy Blume spent her childhood in Elizabeth, NJ, making up stories inside her head. She has spent her adult years in many places, doing the same thing, only now she writes her stories down on paper. Adults, as well as children, will recognize such Blume titles as: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret; Superfudge; Blubber; Just As Long As We’re Together; and Forever. She has also written the best-selling novels Wifey, Smart Women, and Summer Sisters. More than 75 million copies of her books have been sold, and her work has been translated into twenty-six languages.
What to Read Next if You Love Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Bianca Schulze reviewed Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Discover more books like Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by reading our reviews and articles tagged with realistic fiction and humor.
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