Module 1/SLIS 5420/June 8-14, 2009TALES OF A FOURTH GRADE NOTHING
by
Judy Blume
Bibliography
Blume, Judy. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers, 1972. ISBN: 0-440-48474-X
Summary
Judy Blume's classic tale chronicles the adventures and misadventures of fourth grader Peter Hatcher as he struggles to maintain his "place" within his family while retaining some dignity. Little brother, Fudge, has the attention of their parents and Peter is forced to contend with the antics of Fudge, whether he is pretending to fly off a jungle gym in Central Park, throwing temper tantrums, or "helping himself" to Peter's beloved pet turtle, Dribble. Foolish, outrageous and amusing behavior abounds as Peter continues his quest to succeed in contending and coping with his little brother's behavior.
A Page from My Book
Who hasn't yearned for their parents' undivided attention - yet in Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing readers are allowed the vicarious experience of living with a little "terror" in the form of "Fudgie",whose capers and shenanigans constantly take recognition away from Peter. While Fudge makes life miserable for Peter I laughed at the turn of events occurring on every page as Peter attempts everything possible to live the semblance of a normal life. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing presents a humorous tale depicting the woes and struggles of being the older brother to Fudge.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing will appeal to students of younger siblings - They will certainly empathize with Peter's endurance of the embarrassment and nuisance in the form of Fudge found on every page. I found it entertaining and think you will also. I highly recommend it!
Reviews/Awards
* "Will bring a chorus of laughter from sympathetic readers." - Publisher's Weekly
* Winner of The Great Stone Face Award
Suggested Activities
Conduct a contest in which entrants compete to compose the funniest story about a younger sibling. Compile these in a book for others to enjoy.
"Host" a turtle for a week after having researched it's habits and care or have a herpetologist share about turtles with a focus grade level.
Hahaha! This book has always made me laugh out loud. Judy Blume has a great way with her gift of words!
ReplyDeleteI have a turtle that lives in the "Rain Forest" area of my library during the school year alongside the fish aquarium. Students like to sit in that area next the turtle while they read. I can't say that the turtle ever does anything exciting (hahaha)...in fact, I find myself checking to see if he ever moves, but the kids seem to like him!
All I have is a betta, Edward (guess where THAT name came from!?), who keeps me company on my desk. The students always comment on him and miss him if I have taken him home or moved him. We all enjoy Edward. If I was a science teacher my room would have a lot of life!
ReplyDelete