Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 10 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. In Chapter 1, Peter wins Dribble the turtle at Jimmy Fargo’s birthday party. How does Peter feel about winning Dribble, and what does this show about him?
2. In Chapter 2, Fudge refuses to eat and causes trouble at the table. Why do you think his parents handle Fudge the way they do, and do you think it works?
3. In Chapter 3, Fudge starts acting like a dog and gets a lot of attention. How does Peter react to Fudge’s behavior, and what does this tell you about being an older sibling?
4. In Chapter 4, Fudge gets hurt after trying to fly like a bird. What lesson could Fudge and the adults learn from what happens?
5. In Chapter 5, Fudge’s birthday party does not go smoothly. What are some problems that happen at the party, and how does Peter help or get involved?
6. In Chapter 6, Fudge’s missing teeth affect the way he looks and talks. Choose one word you would use to describe Fudge in this chapter, and explain why it fits him.
7. In Chapter 7, Peter has to deal with classmates while working on a school project. How do Peter’s feelings about his group show what it can be like to work with others?
8. In Chapter 8, Fudge becomes involved in a television commercial. What do you predict Peter wishes would happen during the commercial, and why?
9. In Chapter 9, a rainy day makes it hard for Peter to have the kind of day he wants. How does the setting of a rainy day affect the characters’ choices and moods?
10. In Chapter 10, something very serious happens to Dribble. How does Peter’s reaction show how much Dribble means to him, and what do you think about the way the family responds?

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

In Chapter 1, Peter wins Dribble the turtle at Jimmy Fargo’s birthday party. How does Peter feel about winning Dribble, and what does this show about him?

I think Peter feels proud and excited when he wins Dribble. Dribble is special to him because it is his own pet, not something that belongs to Fudge. This shows that Peter wants something he can take care of by himself. It also shows that he likes feeling noticed and important.

In Chapter 7, Peter has to deal with classmates while working on a school project. How do Peter’s feelings about his group show what it can be like to work with others?

Peter’s feelings show that working in a group can be hard because everyone has different ideas and personalities. Sometimes he gets annoyed, but he still has to listen and cooperate. I can understand this because group projects can be fun but also frustrating. The chapter shows that teamwork takes patience.

In Chapter 10, something very serious happens to Dribble. How does Peter’s reaction show how much Dribble means to him, and what do you think about the way the family responds?

Peter’s reaction shows that Dribble means a lot to him because he is upset and angry about what happens. Dribble was not just a turtle to Peter; he was Peter’s own pet. I think the family tries to help, but I also understand why Peter feels like Fudge gets too much attention. I was glad Peter finally gets something that helps him feel cared about too.