Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume

Every once in a while, I like to revisit a book I read in elementary school. Sometimes I do not enjoy the book nearly as much as I did as when I was younger, but thankfully, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume was not the case.

Tales was read aloud to my class in grade four at Heath Park School, and I remember laughing out loud at the Hatcher’s family misadventures. There’s Peter, who is the so called “Fourth Grade Nothing”, his parents, and, most humorously, his toddler brother named Fudge. The Hatcher parents apparently never had to discipline Peter very much- at least it seems so with how much Fudge manages to get away with. Fudge likes to throw tantrums, smear mashed potatoes on restaurant walls, eat like a dog under the table at dinner time, and more, much to the chagrin of well-behaved Peter. It’s not until a tragedy happens with Peter’s pet that Fudge gets a bit of discipline, much to everyone’s relief.

I was really surprised how much I remembered of this book, given it’s been well over a decade since it was read to me. Judy Blume is a very engaging author and the Fudge series keeps getting better as the characters develop. I encourage all people- younger or old- to try out some kids books sometimes. Revisiting a book from childhood is like revisiting an old friend.