Module 2: Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume

Photo taken from:
http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Fourth-Grade-Nothing-Blume/dp/0439559863/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318194701&sr=1-3

Summary:

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume is a story from the perspective a a fourth grader named Peter Warren Hatcher. Peter lives near Central Park in New York City. Peter lives with his stay-at-home mother, advertising professional father, and his two-year-old brother, Farley Drexel Hatcher or “Fudge” as he is better known. The story follows Peter as he tries to come to terms with his curious, energetic and naughty younger brother who is constantly getting into trouble. Peter expresses great exasperation towards his younger brother’s antics and is often the focus of Fudge’s naughty deeds. Peter feels that his parents do not take his feeling into consideration when Fudge’s antics destroy his school work or his beloved pet turtle, Dribble.  As the story unfolds, Peter feels less and less appreciative towards his younger brother and wishes he were an only child. Peter feels his parents do not understand him and favor the younger child. It isn’t until the end of the story that Peter comes to an understanding that his parents are there for him when he needs them the most. 

Citation:

Cleary, B. (1980, April). Tales from a fourth grade nothing. New York, New York: Dell Publishing.

Impression:

I liked the first person narrative of this novel. By getting inside Peter’s head, the reader got to experience first-hand the feelings that he felt as he interacted with his parents and his younger brother, Fudge. The novel did a fantastic job of letting the reader experience life as a fourth grader and as an adult reading this book it made me feel like I was 10 years old again.

Judy Blume did an exceptional job of creating a character that the reader can associate with and care about. The character of Peter is interesting and his story engages the reader to want to read on to the end of the book. This book is a great book for young readers experiencing the fourth grade for the first time or for older readers that wish to revisit their youth. 

Review:

Amazon.com Review

“Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing is the first of these entertaining yarns. Peter, because he's the oldest, must deal with Fudgie's disgusting cuteness, his constant meddling with Peter's stuff, and other grave offenses, one of which is almost too much to bear. All these incidents are presented with the unfailing ear and big-hearted humor of the masterful Judy Blume. Though some of her books for older kids have aroused controversy, the Hatcher brothers and their adventures remain above the fray, where they belong. (Peter's in fourth grade, so the book is suitable for kids ages 8 and older.)” (2011).

Citation:

Amazon. (2011).[Tales of a fourth grade nothing] [book review]. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com

Uses:

• Use the book is a display with books about siblings.
• Because Peter is a pet lover, have a day in the library where a member of the local Human’s Society comes in and talks about proper pet care.