You had a "classic" for your 1982 winner, and so did I.
The 1982 winner for grades 4-8? Ah, yes. Superfudge by Judy Blume. I've read this story a few times over the years -- once or twice myself as a child, and a couple more times as an educator (as a read aloud or in order to book talk the book). Reading it again for possibly the 5th time, the book still hasn't lost it's humor or appeal.
It's still a classic read aloud for 3rd and 4th grade, with many students remembering their teaching reading it to them fondly. It's also one of those series that I don't mind when I hear a teacher is still reading it year after year to their students; some books just stand the test of time and are always relatable.
The book kicks off with an announcement: Peter and Fudge are going to be big brothers! Peter is horrified, thinking he'll have to put up with another Fudge, and decides to run away. His parents convince him to stay until the baby is born, using some very funny reverse-psychology. But then the baby is born (it's a girl!), and the family moves to another state, where Peter and Fudge end up at the same school. Peter has to learn to deal with change, and Fudge has to deal with no longer being the baby of the family.
I wanted to quote parts of the book, but there were so many funny parts that I couldn't pick just one! I actually remember the part where Fudge hides on top of the cabinets in his classroom, and I think I laughed the hardest when Fudge described his principal to the visiting illustrator. Fudge's antics never fail to make me giggle, and seeing it all through Peter's eyes makes it even funnier. Kids of all ages can relate to Peter's feelings, and I think that's what makes the book so powerful -- and Fudge keeps the kids reading for more silly 4-year-old shenanigans.
The "Fudge" series was hilarious in 1982, is still hilarious today, and will be hilarious for all the years to come. You just can't go wrong with a 4 year old brother named Fudge!
So, what's next for you, Jill? Do you remember reading Superfudge as a kid, or having it read to you?
And to everyone else -- please join us! :) What did you think of Superfudge?
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