Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume

I count among my greatest blessings that a love for books was instilled in me from a very early age. Not only did my family encourage reading, but my grade school teachers emphasized it as well. I recall in particular the year I was ten and in the fourth grade myself. Judy Blume was by then fast becoming the most popular young adult author of all time and, having just outgrown (or rather already read) all the Beverly Cleary books, I was ready for something new. Then it happened. Mrs. Griggs decided to read Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing out loud to our class. And so I discovered one of America’s most beloved young adult authors.

It wasn’t just the fact that I was in fourth grade that made this book so relatable. It was also the fact that I too had a little brother, whom I swore my mother loved best, despite his devilish antics. My brother WAS Fudge (except that he was a few years older).

Fudge thinks he can fly and loses his two front teeth trying to do so off the jungle gym. My brother threw his stuffed animals out his bedroom window then promptly followed suit. Fudge destroys Peter’s school project then uses the scissors to give himself a haircut. My brother only chopped his bangs, but he often lured my cat and dog behind a chair, where he proceeded to trim their whiskers. And Fudge wanders off at the at the movie theater so he can "touch the bears." My brother once wandered off in our farm fields where we found him perched on my grandfather’s John Deere. His explanation: He wanted to "drive tractor like Grandpa." Yeah, I could certainly relate, in more ways than one.

So, it was with great nostalgia that I reread Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing for this month’s "Childhood Memories Event." My passion for reading has only grown since those days, my brother has grown up (though he still loves to torment my dog) and yes, I still believe that Mom liked him best.

Best places to buy this book online (from BookFinder.com) Note: Prices are subject to change

1. Paperback (Used) Half.com $0.75
2. Paperback (New) Amazon.com $4.49
3. Paperback (New) Barnes and Noble.com $4.49

Be sure to check out the online auctions, too. Name your price! Also, try your local library, where every book is free!

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