Third Grade Angels
Jerry Spinelli
Illustrated by Jennifer Bell

Arthur A. Levine Books
September 1, 2012 / ISBN: 0545387728
Juvenile / grades 3-4 / ages 9-12 / Social Issues / Friendship
Amazon

Reviewed by Brenda Weeaks

First Grade Babies!
Second Grade Cat!
Third Grade Angels!
Fourth Grade RRRRRats!

Spinelli's latest title has a third grade class learning how to be kind to others and how it's not always easy to be "good." These Angels find themselves in a fierce (by third grade standards) competition….

Finally! Suds (George) is a third grade angel (not the heavenly kind) and boy is he happy! His new teacher, Mrs. Sims, is patience and persistent. She explains to Suds and his classmates they have to earn their halo – with good deeds. Suds is competitive and wants to win. As the lesson progresses some try to bribe their way through, others want to give up and act normal; and some just stay mean. It’s an entertaining message on manners, how easy it is to be polite, and how kindness eventually becomes a part of you. I’m betting kids won’t even notice this lesson in etiquette.

Suds is a character kids can identify with but the character who won me over was Suds’ mother. She explains and directs with love and understanding. Jennifer Bell’s attention-grabbing illustrations add to the characters and the story. Spinelli and Bell can expect some new fans with this edition.