Understanding Characters and Themes in Suds' Story

In 'Fourth Grade Rats' by Jerry Spinelli, Suds and Joey navigate the challenges of being in fourth grade. They encounter younger kids at the tire swings, leading to a discussion about growing up and the expectations of being a 'rat.' Suds struggles with these changes, especially during a family dinner where his siblings tease him. The story explores themes of maturity, peer pressure, and self-identity.

What is the setting introduced at the beginning of the story?

• A schoolyard with tire swings

• A classroom

• A playground with slides

• A park

How many tire swings are there in the schoolyard?

• One

• Two

• Four

• Three

What does Joey do when he sees the first graders on the tire swings?

• He ignores them

• He lifts one off and takes the swing

• He asks them to leave

• He waits for his turn

How does the first grader react to Joey's action?

• He laughs

• He runs away

• He cries

• He calls Joey a rat

What does Suds feel about Joey's actions towards the first graders?

• He feels indifferent

• He feels uncomfortable

• He feels happy

• He feels proud

What does Joey say about being a fourth-grade rat?

• It's about being a follower

• It's about being a leader

• It's about being kind

• It's Nature's Way

What does Suds consider doing to avoid being a 'rat'?

• Changing schools

• Doing well in school

• Doing poorly in school

• Skipping school

What does Joey say about real men?

• They are always serious

• They cry often

• They don't cry

• They are always happy

What does Suds think about growing up?

• It's something you have to work at

• It's something that just happens

• It's easy

• It's not important

What does Suds' sister call him during dinner?

• Angel

• Champion

• Rat

• Hero