41 pages 1 hour read

Judy Blume

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1972

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, nine-year-old Peter Hatcher recounts his daily life in New York City, dealing with his mischievous younger brother Fudge, who causes constant trouble and inadvertently consumes Peter's pet turtle, Dribble, leading to chaos and hospital visits. The episodic narrative explores Peter’s feelings of frustration and love within his family dynamics.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Judy Blume's Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing is praised for its relatable, humorous depiction of sibling dynamics and growing up. Readers appreciate its engaging narrative and realistic characters. However, some critique it for endorsing occasionally problematic behavior and lack of significant parental intervention. Overall, it remains a beloved, influential children's book.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing?

A reader who enjoys Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume is typically aged 8-12, enjoys humorous, relatable family stories, and delights in lighthearted sibling rivalry. Fans of Ramona Quimby by Beverly Cleary or Superfudge by Blume will find this book particularly engaging.

RecommendedReading Age

8-12years

Lexile Level

470L

Book Details

Themes

Relationships: Family

Genre

Children's Literature

Realistic Fiction

Humor

Topics

Education