Fourth-Grade Fuss
#10 in Russell and Elisa Series
What’s inside...
A yard sale, ice skating, class pictures, and a surprise party are a few of the things that make fourth grade fun for Julio and his friends, but they must get serious about studying as the statewide end-of-year test approaches. Yard sales, ice-skating, and surprise parties are just a few of the activities that make fourth grade enjoyable. However, as the end of the year approaches, Julio and his friends realize the importance of preparation for the crucial statewide test. They try various superstitions, like wearing inside-out underwear and using brand-new pencils, and even make a genuine effort to study. On the day of the test, Julio encounters unexpected surprises that no preparation could have tackled. Through humor and realism, beloved author Johanna Hurwitz vividly captures the challenges and joys of Julio Sanchez's fourth-grade experiences, providing relatable moments for readers whether they're familiar with Julio and his classmates from previous books or meeting them for the first time.
Discussion points
What do you think inspired Julio to run for class president? How do you think leadership positions can impact a person?
Why do you think friends are important in Julio's life, especially during his fourth-grade year?
How do Julio’s feelings and perspectives change throughout the story? Can you relate to any of his experiences?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a difficult decision, like Julio? What helped you make that decision?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage open-ended conversations by asking your child how they feel about the characters' decisions and actions. This promotes empathy and critical thinking.
Relate the book's themes to your child’s personal experiences in school or with friends to make the discussions more relevant and engaging.
Discuss the outcome of the story and ask your child if they would have ended it differently, fostering creativity and personal expression.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next if the book had another chapter, encouraging imagination and attention to story details.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Fourth-Grade Fuss', Julio learns about the responsibilities of managing both schoolwork and extra-curricular activities.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by balancing their own school obligations and personal interests, learning to prioritize and manage their time effectively.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Julio shows empathy by understanding his friends' perspectives and feelings, especially when conflicts arise.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop healthier relationships by recognizing and respecting the emotions and viewpoints of others in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Julio faces various challenges but demonstrates perseverance by not giving up and trying his best.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of determination in overcoming obstacles and achieving goals, which is applicable in both academic and personal settings.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of working together, as Julio and his classmates collaborate on school projects and events.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperation and how collective efforts can lead to greater success in group tasks at school or during play.
Example Lesson: Dealing with change
Explanation: Julio navigates various changes in his school and social life, learning to adapt and accept new situations.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to more comfortably handle transitions or changes in their own environments, such as moving to a new class or welcoming a new family member.