Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

By Judy Blume

Comprehension Questions
Write your answers in complete sentences.

Chapter 1: The Big Winner

1. What did Peter win? How did he win it?

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2. Describe the setting of the story as Chapter One begins. (Setting is
where and when the story takes place.)
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3. Which of the following three narratives is used in our novel, Tales of a
Fourth Grade Nothing? Give reasons for your answer.
First Person Second Person Third Person
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4. In the story, who is Dribble? What is your opinion of how Peter won
him and why?
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5. Peter’s biggest problem is his little brother, Fudge. How do you feel when
someone bothers you the way Peter is bothered by Fudge?
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Chapter 2: Mr. and Mrs. Juicy O
1. Mr. Yarby thinks good old-fashioned manners are very important.
Give three examples of good manners and three examples of bad
manners that occurred in the chapter.

Good manners from book Bad manners from book

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

2. Describe the setback (what went wrong) that occurred at the end of
Chapter 2? What would you have done in the situation you described
above if you were home with Fudge?
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3. Select your favorite part of the chapter? In your opinion, why was it
your favorite part?
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Chapter 3: The Family Dog

1. Analyze the biggest problem in this chapter? Describe one way it was
solved.
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2. Fudge’s family, try lots of silly things to try to get Fudge to eat. Can you
generate (come up with) a new idea to get Fudge to eat?
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3. Peter feels that he and Fudge are not treated equally. Do you agree or
disagree with him? Explain.
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4. You’ve come across several characters already in the story. Who do you
think is the protagonist and the antagonist? Explain your answer.
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Chapter 4: My Brother the Bird

1. Which of the three kids (Peter, Sheila, or Jimmy) do you think is best
qualified to be left in charge? Why?
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 2. Choice: Peter’s Mom yells at Peter after Fudge gets hurt. Motive (why
is she angry?)
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In your opinion, was her choice to yell at him right or wrong? Why?
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3. Peter’s mom blames Peter when Fudge gets hurt, even though it was
just an accident. How do you feel when you get blamed for something
you didn’t do?
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Strategy Focus: Making a Connection

Good readers will make connections between what they are reading and
their own lives. If you could be transformed into an animal for one day, what
animal would you choose? Explain the reason for your choice in at least 2
complete sentences.

Animal: ______________________________

Explain:
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Draw a Picture:

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Chapter 5: The Birthday Bash
1. In this chapter, how does the author show through his actions that Peter
is helpful? Be detailed!
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2. What was one problem that happened in this chapter? Have you solved
a problem like this in the past? (Be detailed.)
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3. Matching
Match the name to the correct description of what he/she did at the
birthday bash.

Kid What he/she did

1. _____ Sam A. Guest who bit Fudge’s grandmother and wet his/her
pants

2. _____ Jenny B. Guest who threw up

3. _____ Ralph C. Guest who was afraid of the dark and refused to go
home

Chapter 6: Fang Hits Town

1. We know that Fudge looks up to Peter as a big brother/ role model.
What would others look up to you as a role model?
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2. Choice: Peter’s Mom tricks Fudge into buying saddle shoes at the store.
Was the choice right or wrong? Why?
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3. How would you have handled Fudge in today’s chapter?
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4. Give one example of a conflict that occurred during today’s chapter.
(Person vs. Person, Person vs. Nature, Person vs. Self, Person vs
Society)
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Chapter 7: The Flying Train Committee

1. Pick a character trait that describes Shelia and give evidence from today’s
chapter to show that it describes her. Be specific!
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2. Fudge goes into Peter’s room without permission all of the time. How do
you feel when a family goes into your room without permission and explain
why it bothers you.
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4. How did Peter feel when Fudge ruined what he was working on? How do
you know? Use evidence from the book!
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Strategy Focus: Extending the Text
For this activity, you are asked to draw what you think a vehicle of the
future might look like. Be sure to include a name for your vehicle. Describe
its features, how is it different than the vehicles found today? Explain.

Name: ______________________________

Features/Differences:
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Chapter 8: The TV Star
1. How did Peter save the day again? What does this show about him? (Hint:
What character trait does this show about Peter?)
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2. How did Peter feel about Fudge being in the commercial? How do you know
he felt that way?
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3. How did the author show that Fudge wanted to be like Peter in this chapter?
Be specific!
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Strategy Focus: Compare and Contrast

Good readers will compare and contrast different things that they read in the
story to help better comprehend what they are reading. If you had a
younger brother and he was chosen to be in a commercial, compare the way
you would feel to the way Peter felt. Try to have at least two phrases or
words for each of the three parts below.

Peter’s feelings Your feelings

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Chapter 9: Just Another Day
1. Choice: Peter tells his Dad he likes the omelet when he doesn’t like it at
all. Motive: (Why does Peter say he likes the omelet?) Was the choice right
or wrong? Why?
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3. Give an example of repetition from this chapter. Be specific!
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4. What was one problem Fudge caused during this chapter? Describe one way
it was solved.
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Strategy Focus: Making a Connection
What do you do on a rainy day? Try to brainstorm as many things you could
do and then write your list on the cloud or rain drops below. As a Tales of a
Fourth Grade Nothing challenge, see if you can list at least 10 things.
1. __________________________________
2. ___________________________________
3. ______________________________________
4. _____________________________________
5. ____________________________________
6. ____________________________________
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Chapter 10: Dribble
1. Pick a good theme for the book. Circle the theme and give evidence from
the book. Remember a theme is a lesson the author is trying to teach
you to use in YOUR life.
a. Determination b. Honesty c. Teamwork d. Patience
e. Friendship f. Fairness g. Cooperation
h. Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover
i. Treat Others How You Want to be Treated
j. Other- Pick another theme.
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2. If you could change the final chapter, would you? Why or why not? Be
detailed!
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3. What did you think of the book?
Rating (1-5 stars): ______________________
Write your review:
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 CHAPTER SUMMARY

CHAPTER 1

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CHAPTER 2

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CHAPTER 3

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CHAPTER 4

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CHAPTER 5

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CHAPTER 6

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CHAPTER 7

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CHAPTER 8

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CHAPTER 9

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CHAPTER 10

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