Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (M Books)

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 offences, one of which is almost too much to bear. All these incidents are presented with the unfailing ear and big-hearted humour 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 children ages 8 and older.)

I recommend this book to people who enjoy a very interesting story with quite a few funny problems. On a scale of 1-10 I'd definitely give it 10.

This is suitable for ages 7 and up, but the 7yr olds have to be fairly confident readers.


Funny for both adults and children alike   December 28, 2002
L. Reynolds (West Midlands, England)
I remember first being read this book when I was 8 and in Primary School. We had a "progressive" teacher, and this is what she selected for class reading. I'm now in my 20's and still find that the tales of Peter & his brother, Fudge, can make me laugh.
It's an excellent book to read to children.


A MUST read for children & adults   January 17, 2002
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

'Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing' was the first book I read by Judy Blume.And as fans of her writing know,she writes in a way that kids can understand very easily.As fans also know,her characters she creates are very realistic & kids reading her books can relate to the characters.Adults can read her characters & think back to the days when they felt the same way as her characters.And this book is wonderful.I first discovered it in my third grade class when I was in America.I wanted to know why almost my whole class wanted to read this.When I got my hands on the book,I discovered why it was so popular.Peter Hatcher is your basic kid with kid problems.He has an annoying little brother.The style of writing though is perfect!You cannot read this book & not laugh.I haven't read this book for a long,long time,but the incidents that stood out in my mind were:when Mr.Hatcher takes Fudge into the bathroom & pours cereal on his head(it's when Mr.Hatcher says 'Eat it or wear it!' & Fudge keeps repeating that(as most 2 year olds love repetition);when Fudge thinks he can fly & his two front teeth get knocked out & he says 'Want my teeth!';& when Fudge swallows Dribble the turtle.

What I like about the style of Judy's writing is this:she's written so many books with young people as her main characters yet the writing isn't immature.Her young characters behave the way kids really behave.Adults don't need to feel embarassed if they want to read this or any of her other books(I also recommend 'Deenie','Iggie's House','Blubber'.)Her books can give adults an insight into what kids are really like.It's been about 20 years since I first read TOAFGN & I'd love to read it again.


A fantastic, exciting book.   September 2, 2001
1 out of 2 found this review helpful

Another execellent book by Judy Blume. About Peter Hatcher and his brother from hell Farley Drexel Hatcher otherwise known as FUDGE! First came the birthday bash.Fudge was turning three. Three wierd friends were invited, Ralph who was just fat and ate loads,Jennie who bit people and Sam who was a scared of everything and cried all the time.Of course Peter had to help out.When the party was over, Peter thought it was over, but it wasn't.Peter had to go out to lunch with Fudge. Fudge was awful he tipped peas over his head and other things. One day Peter won a turtleat his best friends party...