Helpful Score: 1
Grade 3-5-- The book's title comes from a playground rhyme, "Third grade angels!/Fourth grade . . . RRRRRATS!" Joey Peterson, the best friend of Suds (the story's narrator), takes the rhyme a bit too seriously and instructs Suds, Svengali-like, in the ways of rebellion and macho bravado. Complicating things is the long-standing crush Suds has on Judy, a girl more interested in seeing bugs crawl all over him than in having him open doors for her. The short-lived rebellion is finally squelched by Joey's mother, and Suds is relieved to return to his old habits. This is a fast-paced story about kids growing up too quickly. Some of the characters are exaggerated but believable, and the scenes in which Joey tries to toughen up Suds are especially funny. This should prove a popular addition to most collections. --Todd Morning, Schaumburg Township
Nice book about kids and their funny way of life.
A great book for your second or third grader... all about growing up and the challenges and trials of being a kid. Very cute book. A good read for summer.
I am reading it to my fourth grade class. They are good listeners. I think that it appeals more to boys than girls.
