Mary Allen
Introduction: Fourth Grade Rats
Fourth Grade Rats is a children’s novel written by Jerry Spinelli. It follows the story of two best friends, Suds and Joey, as they navigate the challenges of fourth grade. The book explores themes of friendship, growing up, and facing fears.
The two main characters
Suds and Joey are the two main characters in Fourth Grade Rats. They are both nine years old and attend the same school. Suds is the protagonist of the story, while Joey is his best friend. They are both members of the "Rats," a group of boys who try to act tough and cool.
Suds: the protagonist
Suds is the main character and narrator of the story. He is a small and timid boy who is afraid of spiders, the dark, and being left behind by his friends. Suds is also insecure about his height and wishes he were taller. Throughout the book, Suds faces several challenges that force him to confront his fears and grow as a person.
Joey: the best friend
Joey is Suds’ best friend and the leader of the Rats. He is confident, outgoing, and always up for a challenge. Joey is the opposite of Suds in many ways, but they complement each other well. Joey is often the one who pushes Suds out of his comfort zone and encourages him to try new things.
Suds’ family and background
Suds comes from a working-class family. His father works at a factory, and his mother is a homemaker. Suds has an older brother who teases him constantly. Suds’ family is supportive of him, but they also have their own struggles, such as financial difficulties.
Joey’s family and background
Joey comes from a wealthier family than Suds. His father is a lawyer, and his mother is a stay-at-home mom. Joey has an older brother who is a bully. Joey’s family is loving but also puts a lot of pressure on him to succeed.
The role of teachers
The teachers in Fourth Grade Rats play an important role in the story. They are portrayed as caring and supportive, and they help the students navigate the challenges of fourth grade. Mrs. Simms, the students’ homeroom teacher, is particularly influential in Suds’ life.
Other significant characters
There are several other significant characters in Fourth Grade Rats, including Suds’ crush, Judy; Joey’s crush, Lisa; and a new student named Sharon, who challenges the Rats’ status quo.
Suds’ conflicts and challenges
Suds faces several conflicts and challenges throughout the book, such as trying to impress his friends, dealing with bullies, and confronting his fears. One of the biggest challenges Suds faces is deciding whether to follow Joey’s lead or listen to his own conscience.
Joey’s conflicts and challenges
Joey’s conflicts and challenges are different from Suds’. He struggles with the pressure to be cool and popular, and he also has to deal with his bully brother. Joey’s biggest challenge is realizing that being a good friend is more important than being a Rat.
Conclusion: the importance of friendship
The main theme of Fourth Grade Rats is friendship. Suds and Joey’s friendship is put to the test throughout the book, but ultimately, they come out stronger for it. The book shows that friendship can help us overcome our fears and challenges and that being true to ourselves is more important than trying to fit in.
References and further reading
Spinelli, J. (1991). Fourth Grade Rats. Scholastic Inc.
Spinelli, J. (2016). Fourth Grade Rats: 25th Anniversary Edition. Scholastic Inc.