Blume, Judy. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Puffin (2007). ISBN-10: 0142408816

Plot Summary

Peter Hatcher has just had enough with his younger brother who has driven him crazy all day long! His two-year-old brother is known as Fudge or Fudgie. According to everyone, Fudge is an adorable baby, but they have no idea what Peter has to go through when Fudge is around. Fudge’s mischievous behaviors have caused many troubles for Peter and the rest of the family.

Peter is in the fourth grade, and he knows how to behave properly. So, why doesn’t everybody like him the way they like Fudgie? Peter’s greatest fear is having Fudge hanging around his pet turtle, Dribble. He is afraid for Dribble’s life every time Fudge is near.

Critical Evaluation

Judy Blume’s Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing is a realistically funny story about a boy named Peter Hatcher who is jealous of his young brother Fudge. Fudgie gets all of the attention, and everyone just finds him adorable. This story is true to life for many kids with younger siblings. The story will certainly show them that they are not alone!

Reader's Annotation

From banging pots and pans together to eating flowers, Fudge never stopped messing things up. But everyone still loved him!

About the Author

Judy Sussman, also known as Judy Blume, grew up in New Jersey. As a child, she loved to ballet dance and play piano for her friends and family. She even dreamt of becoming a move star someday! Growing up, Blume loved reading mystery books such as the Nancy Drew series. In 1961, she graduated from the university of New York with a bachelor’s degree in Education. When Blume’s early writing attempts failed, she returned to school to take a class called Writing for Children and Teenagers. After her professor commended her writing ability, Blume was motivated again to pursue her dream. In 1969, Judy Blume’s first book The One in the Middle is the Green Kangaroo was published. The rest, of course, is history!

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Curriculum Ties

Language Arts

Booktalking Ideas

Peter is in the fourth grade, and he knows how to behave properly. So, why doesn’t everybody like him like they do his brother Fudgie? Peter’s greatest fear is having Fudge hanging around his pet turtle, Dribble. Whenever Fudge is near, Peter fears for Dribble’s life! If you have younger siblings, you’ll know what Peter is talking about. Does your younger brother have temper tantrum like Fudge? You will enjoy this humorous Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume, which is sure to make you laugh!

Reading Level/Interest Age

Ages 9-12

Reason for Book Selection

This book had been around forever! When I was a child like Peter, I remember thinking the same about my own younger sister. She was adorable, and everyone just loved her!