Fourth Grade Rats

by Paul Casale (Illustrator), Jerry Spinelli

Includes a book summary, author information, vocabulary-builders, discussion questions, reproducible graphic organizers and writing activities, and effective management ideas for whole class, small group, and independent instruction! 8-1/2" x 11" Grade 3-5

16 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Bethanyanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I remember really enjoying Jerry Spinelli when I was younger and have memories of reading 4th grade rats as a 4th grader.

I've been holding onto this book to give to my daughter for her 4th grade year but we're going to pass after reading it again. The characters are pretty mean spirited, there's really no resolution or change of heart in the meanness.

With so many good easy readers out there, this one really isn't worth the time.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Realistic book about transitions and growing up. Didn’t totally enjoy, as characters not really likeable.

Pop sugar reading challenge 2020- a book recommended by book club

[Corena Fitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fourth Grade Rats is a realistic fiction book that deals with kids caught between an age where they want to behave “grown up”, but also still want to be children. Joey and his friend Suds are starting a new school year and are now fourth graders. As fourth grader in this school they are now suppose to act like Rats. Rats make fun of other children, get in trouble with their teachers, and tell their parents no. This is a humorous book of two boys trying to act a certain way in order to be cool, but who eventually realize who they really are and that they are cooler than the way they were behaving.
There were only 5 full page illustrations spread out in various pages of this book. The illustrations were in grey and looked like they had been sketched with pencil. There was a shading technique used that added detail and texture to the illustrations.
I would recommend this book for intermediate ages because it has a theme that this age can relate to. These boys are trying to find their way, now that they are becoming young boys rather than children. There are parts of the story that are very funny and add humor to a time that can be difficult for this age. There is great dialogue between the boys and also the boys and their parents.