Fourth Grade Rats

I liked this book for several reasons. First, the illustrations made it a great transitional chapter book. There were about 4 or 5 whole page illustrations throughout the book that depicted certain scenes going on. Even though the pictures were only in black and white, the detail in the pictures showed the emotion of what the character was going through at that moment in time. Additionally, each of the chapters in the book were no more than 10 pages, so it makes for an easy read and transition from regular picture books. Students who have never read a chapter book before are able to read a few chapters a night and not be too overwhelmed. Another reason I liked this book was because it is very relatable to students who would be reading show more the book. The main character is in fourth grade and is grappling with peer pressure and the need to conform to what his peers expect of him. This is very relatable to what is going on for readers and would be engaging to them as they discover how he handles peer pressure. These relatable scenes are conveyed very well in the writing. For example, on page 37 the author writes about Suds (the main character) not wanting his crush to know who he is: “ ‘My face was burning. Tell her. Don’t tell her. Tell her. Don’t tell her.’… I was ready to faint. I wanted to crawl under the nearest car.” The thought process and dialogue between the characters resembles that of an upper-elementary grade student and would be very intriguing to readers. Finally, the story ends with the main character realizing that it is most important to be who you want to be and that no one can tell you otherwise. This pushes readers to consider peer pressure as negative and to value their own unique personalities. The message of this story is that true friends like you for who you are. show less

I liked this book for two reasons. First, during some of the descriptions were pictures to go along with the text. Having pictures helps provide a better understanding of the stories and how the author is trying to have the text perceived. It also helps students stay on track of what the story is about. Secondly, the book had awesome scenarios that can happen in real life to any child. Some of things that happen in the book are very believable and comical. This book was well worth my time because the comedy side of the book kept me engaged in the text.
The characters in the story were well-developed because the stories that were told seems to things that fourth graders would go through inside and outside of school. The book was mostly show more in first person because the character named Suds Morton was telling about his experience as a fourth grader. The plot of the story was that Suds and his friend Joey were becoming “Fourth Grade Rats” from being “Third Grade Angels.” Joey was trying to be more like the “rats” because he seemed as though it made him grow up into a man. Suds was on the fence about this situation because he didn’t like treating people bad. The illustrations that were the book really helped me see what the author was describing in the text with some scenarios.
This book definitely pushes readers to think about the issues that occurred in it because they can happen in real life. If the reader is a child, they can see that trying to be a man doesn’t help them. Being themselves is enough. If the reader is an adult or a teacher, they can see some of the ways that children think in order to help them grow into who they are or find themselves.
I believe that the moral of the story is that child may go off on different paths to find out who they are deep inside their souls. They will probably act different in their parents’ eyes however, they will eventually come back and see that all along that wasn’t who they were. show less

Too insubstantial to round up to four stars, but still highly recommended to families with children this age. Spinelli deserves the accolades... and my rereads.

This book is funny. Two friends, Joey and Suds, get to 4th grade and Joey decides that they need to change. He becomes a tough guy and convinces Suds that he needs to toughen up too. He is after all a fourth grade rat. I read this book with fourth graders. They really enjoy the humor of the book. The story is fast passed and not so lengthy that it overwhelms a 9 year old. This book would appeal to 3rd – 5th graders. It could lead to a class discussion about the importance of developing your own opinions, being a leader not a follower, and having self-determination.

The illustrations are dated, though the story is still applicable to modern students. I don't feel as though the story's "moral" was as blatant as needed by younger children. The main character's rehabilitation seems forced and not genuinely earned or felt.

Last year Suds was a Third Grade Angel, but now... it's time to be a Fourth Grade Rat!
Fourth graders are tough. They aren't afraid of spiders. They say no to their moms. They push first graders off the swings. And they never, ever cry.Suds knows that now he's in fourth grade, he's supposed to be a rat. But whenever he tries to act like one, something goes wrong. Can Suds's friend Joey teach him to toughen up... or will Suds remain a fourth grade wimp?Now with brand-new illustrations, this sequel to Jerry Spinelli's THIRD GRADE ANGELS is a classic story of fitting in (or not) and friendship.

4th graders are tough. They aren't afraid of spiders. They say no to their moms. They push first graders off the swings. And they never, ever cry.