Fourth grade can be tough

“The Fourth Grade Wizards”

Barthe DeClements

Marianne’s mother died. She feels lonely and sad, until her new puppy changes her life. Jack is the classroom clown who wants to join the Wizards, a group in school that gets special privileges. He learns to become a gentleman and become a Wizard. This book kept my attention to the end.

Reviewed by Jackson, 9

Ivanhoe Elementary, Los Angeles

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“Crash”

Jerry Spinelli

Crash, also known as John Coogan, joins the football team, and his neighbor Penn becomes a cheerleader. This is when the problems begin. Penn gets bullied by boys on the football team. One of the bullies squirts Penn with a water gun, and Penn gets really sick. Penn finally gets better with time. Crash wants to hang out with the cool kids. But Penn is his true friend. What will he decide? Read the book and find out.

Reviewed by Vincent, 10

Gallatin Elementary, Downey

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“Michelle Kwan: Heart of a Champion: An Autobiography”

Michelle is a junior ice skater, and she wants to be a senior skater. Her coach Frank tells her not to take the test. But while he is away, Michelle takes the test. She passes, but she has to tell Frank. You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens next.

Reviewed by Emma, 10

Lincoln Elementary, Glendale

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“Baloney”

Jon Scieszka

Henry P. Baloney is late for school. His teacher, Miss Bugscuffle, says, “Make a believable excuse or permanent lifelong detention.” So Baloney makes up silly words to see if they will do the trick. Did Baloney get detention? What was his story? Read “Baloney” to find out!

Reviewed by Phoebe, 8

Glenoaks Elementary, Glendale

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“Hello, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle”

Betty MacDonald

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle’s cures are back! Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle always has a cure for children’s nasty habits. What happens to Evelyn, Mary and Cornelia after they whisper too much? If you want to find out what happens to them, read this super, great book.

Reviewed by Megha, 9

Barnhart Elementary, Arcadia