Third Grade Angels (Rule the School #1) - by Jerry Spinelli (Paperback)

About the Book

Newbery Medalist Spinelli makes a warm, funny return to elementary school in the long-awaited prequel to his bestseller, "Fourth Grade Rats."

Book Synopsis

The hilarious and relatable prequel to the bestseller Fourth Grade Rats!

George, aka "Suds," has just entered third grade, and he's heard the rhyme about "first grade babies, second grade cats, third grade angels, fourth grade rats," but what does this mean for his school year? It means that his teacher, Mrs. Simms, will hold a competition every month to see which student deserves to be awarded "the halo" -- which student is best-behaved, kindest to others, and, in short, perfect.

Suds is determined to be the first to earn the halo, but he's finding the challenge of always being good to be more stressful than he had anticipated. Does he have to be good even outside of school? (Does he have to be nice to his annoying little sister?) And if Mrs. Simms doesn't actually see him doing a good deed, does it even count?

A warm, funny return to elementary school from master storyteller Spinelli.

Review Quotes

Praise for THIRD GRADE ANGELS:

"Spinelli doesn't miss a beat in recreating the characters from [Fourth Grade Rats]... Sweet and funny." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Third-graders are notoriously competitive, and Spinelli has his finger on the pulse of that age group. Suds's first-person account rings true." -- Horn Book

"This beginning chapter book moves at an enjoyably brisk pace; readers will appreciate the familiar school and home settings, and they'll look forward to meeting the characters again in a forthcoming book. A story kids will relate to, with valuable, down-to-earth messages about character and motives." -- School Library Journal

About the Author

Jerry Spinelli won the Newbery Medal in 1991 for Maniac Magee, one of his more than 25 acclaimed books for young readers. He now lives in West Chester, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Eileen Spinelli, who is also an author of children's books.
Jennifer A. Bell has illustrated almost a dozen children's books, including Little Dog, Lost, When Dad Says "I Love You", and the Stella Batts series. Her work has also appeared in magazines and on greeting cards. She lives with her husband and son in Toronto, Ontario. Visit her online at www.jenniferabell.com.