The series that began with THIRD GRADE ANGELS, and FOURTH GRADE RATS took an over 10-year break before the newest. FIFTH GRADE TOP DOGS, was released. The story can be read without reading the other two, but I could have benefited from reading those first books. I needed to have more character development in George “Suds” Morton as he maneuvers through those elementary years.
Regardless, the story moves along at a nice pace, perfect for younger MG readers. The endearing Suds narrates the tale as he and best friend Joey are now in their last year at Gotwals Elementary. Finally they are Top Dogs.
Figuring out how to act as one is the bases of the plot. That means learning to have the right walk and talk. His little sister does quite a few hurtful pranks to slow up any progress. The honest portrayal of that last year of elementary school is sure to be familiar to many. Humor and a nice ending will make you happy to have spent some time with Suds and his family in FIFTH GRADE TOP DOGS.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: June 2, 2026 PAGES: 192
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: FIFTH GRADE TOP DOGS by Jerry Spinelli
- Art work is consistent throughout and many will have have you smiling or even laughing out loud.
- Both parents are a positive part of Sud’s life. They provide the caring attitude and discipline kids need as they grow up.
- Suds has a truly hateful relationship with his sister, but the character arc for both takes a heartwarming turn by book’s end.
- Suds also has his eye on fellow classmate, Judy. That first crush is often a tough one but honesty finally wins.
- What Suds and Joey do to a crisis in the first grade classroom brought out what it means to be.a real TOP DOG.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jerry Spinelli grew up in rural Pennsylvania and went to college at Gettysburg College and Johns Hopkins University. He has published more than 25 books and has six children and 16 grandchildren.
Jerry Spinelli began writing when he was 16 — not much older than the hero of his book Maniac Magee. After his high school football team won a big game, his classmates ran cheering through the streets — all except Spinelli, who went home and wrote a poem about the victory. When his poem was published in the local paper, Spinelli decided to become a writer instead of a major-league shortstop.
In most of his books, Spinelli writes about events and feelings from his own childhood. He also gets a lot of material from his seven adventurous kids! Spinelli and his wife, Eileen, also a children’s book author, live in Pennsylvania.
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Good to know it’s best to start with the first books in the series. This sounds like a great story for younger middle-graders with the short length and illustrations.
Sounds like a series that has a lot of appeal for the younger MG readers.
I remember reading Maniac Magee when my kids were young. Now I want to read this series, because your review is so intriguing.
I won this title from Rosi’s blog! I just started it, and I thought it captured the middle-grade voice well. There aren’t a lot of books from a 5th-grade perspective, so I found that refreshing. I’m glad to hear there’s a satisfying arc for Sud and his sister. My favorite by Spinelli is Stargirl.