Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing was written in 1972 and is the first of the “Fudge books”. It was followed by Superfudge, Fudge-A-Mania and Double Fudge. This book captures what it means to be a kid with a little sibling. This book is not afraid to say that little brothers and sisters can be annoying brats. This book looks at the difficulties older children have to deal with when they're forced to abandon their personal privacy and sanity for the sake of a younger brother or sister. Peter Hatcher is nine years old and has the demanding job of dealing with almost-three-year-old Fudge at all times. Fudge is what a polite person would call a lively child. However, as far as Peter is concerned, he is nothing short of a holy terror. If he's not sticking green food stamps to full suitcases or refusing to eat until Peter stands on his head, he's leaping from large boulders trying to fly, or throwing mega- tantrums in shoe shops. Peter is understandably jealous of the amount of attention Fudge gets but one good thing in his life is his pet turtle, Dribble. Basically, each chapter in this book is a small story about the daily interactions and adventures of the Hatcher boys. This book has dated a little but is still an entertaining read. Find out more about Judy Blume and why she likes to write by watching this interview:http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/289125-18

A television series was made based on the books:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SILXRSoheM&feature=related

Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson

This a novel by Katherine Paterson won Newberry Medal back in 1981, and the title refers to the sibling rivalry between Jacob and Esau in the Bible where it is written, "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated…” Sara Louise Bradshaw is sick and tired of her beautiful twin Caroline. Ever since they were born, Caroline has been the pretty one, the talented one, the better sister. Even now, Caroline seems to take everything: Louise's friends, their parents' love, her dreams for the future. For once in her life, Louise wants to be the special one, but in order to do that she has to find out who she essentially is and to try and make a special place for herself outside of her sister’s shadow.Click on the link below to hear author Katherine talk about her life and this book, the book of which she is most proud:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJLaLc_kaZc

After Alice by Jane Carroll

I couldn't put this book down and read it in one sitting. Another little gem from Australian authoress Jane Carroll. It was published in 1999 and is now out of publication. The main character is Bree and her parents have adopted eight-year old Alice whose mother has recently died. She is coming to live on the farm and Bree can't wait. However, upon her arrival Alice finds the reality of having a new little sister nothing like she had imagined. Sibling rivalry soon rears its ugly head. Bree now finds little solace at school or at home and her special friendships are suddenly in jeopardy. This book would appeal to girls more than boys and would be suitable for 10-12 year olds.