Parents' Guide to

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

By Barbara Schultz, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Toddler antics bug brother, amuse readers in 1st Fudge book.

Book Judy Blume Family Life 1972
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 8+

Based on 10 parent reviews

vickreads
vickreads Adult
July 1, 2021
age 6+

Horrible

I read this book with my kids 6 and 9, tbey absolutely loved it and found it hilarious. The book is very well written, no doubt about that, it’s intriguing and funny and well structured. However, it is awful and I couldn’t believe what I was reading out loud to them. Completely insane, how is this book so famous? The little kid tries to fly and knocks his teeth out, he eats his brothers pet, destroys his homework… the family dynamic is way off. There are sexist remarks and scenes (the secretary OMG, the dad leaving the dirty dishes for Mom to wash!!) a terrible scene with a ‘fat’ boy throwing up because he eats two slices of cake. It has not withstood the test of time, I do not recommend. If you are going to put in the time and energy to ready with your kids I advise you try something else: Ramona series or even Henry Huggins (though a tad sexist as well) are much better choice I think.
mamacheatham
mamacheatham Parent of 5 and 8-year-old
May 15, 2021
age 8+

Beware the turtle eating part if you have a sensitive child

This was a favorite of mine when I was a kid so I excitedly handed my daughter a copy to read without giving it much thought. Later when she burst into tears, I was reminded about the part where Fudge swallows the turtle. My girl was heartbroken and grossed out. I started reading through the book and was surprised at some of the language and behavior. It sure is different reading it as a parent! I have to say that there really wasn't much redeeming about this book. I'm honestly not sure what made it so popular when I was a kid!
See all 10 parent reviews

What's the Story?

The first book in Judy Blume's "Fudge" series, TALES OF A FOURTH GRADE NOTHING, takes place over several months in the lives of the Hatcher family: Mr. and Mrs. Hatcher and their sons Peter (age 10) and Farley Drexel (age 3), whose nickname is Fudge. Told from Peter's point of view, the book is a series of anecdotes involving Fudge's always funny, sometimes enfuriating 3-year-old antics. Fudge throws tantrums, refuses to eat, defies his parents, messes up his brother's stuff, and generally causes a lot of mischief for such a small person. Peter, meanwhile, is often placed in embarrassing situations because his parents need his help to wrangle their adorable, impossible 3-year-old.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (10):
Kids say (10):

Judy Blume's Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing will entertain middle-grade readers, especially those who have little brothers or sisters. Blume portrays Fudge in a way that's exaggerated enough to be laugh-out-loud funny but realistic enough to ring true with anyone who's ever tried to reason with a 3-year-old. The Fudge books showcase Blume's wonderful way of creating honest situations and characters that don't skirt family problems but still maintain a humorous, light tone overall.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about sibling relationships. What sorts of things do you argue about with your sibling(s)? What do you like best about your brother or sister?

  • Why do you think Peter often feels his mother doesn't care as much about him as she does about Fudge? Do you think Peter's parents are unfair to him?

  • In Peter and Fudge's family, mom does all the cooking and child raising, and dad earns the money. How is the Hatcher family like or different from your family?

Book Details

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