Third Grade Angels by Jerry Spinelli is praised for its relatable depiction of elementary school challenges and engaging storytelling. Parents and educators appreciate its positive message and humor, though some critics note it's more effective for younger readers due to its simple plot. Overall, the book is seen as enjoyable and beneficial for early readers.

Readers who would enjoy Jerry Spinelli’s Third Grade Angels are typically young students in 2nd to 3rd grade who appreciate heartwarming stories about school life, friendship, and personal growth. Similar to Beverly Cleary’s Ramona Quimby, Age 8, this book offers relatable characters and gentle humor, making it perfect for fans of early childhood adventures.

In Third Grade Angels by Jerry Spinelli, Suds begins third grade aspiring to earn a weekly halo prize awarded for exemplary behavior. Through his school experiences and interactions with classmates and his family, he navigates the challenges of competition, kindness, and self-discovery, ultimately learning the value of genuine integrity and empathy.

Heartwarming / Humorous / Playful / Inspirational

Suburban elementary school / Contemporary

- Third Grade Angels is a prequel to Jerry Spinelli's earlier book Fourth Grade Rats, which explores the same characters in a different school year.
- Jerry Spinelli, the author, is a Newbery Medal-winning writer known for his talent in crafting stories that capture the nuances of childhood.
- The book captures the challenges of social behavior and acceptance through the relatable experiences of third graders in a humorous and engaging way.

**Suds Morton**  
The protagonist, a third-grader who strives to be the best-behaved student in his class and grapples with the pressures of growing up. His nickname, "Suds," is related to his habit of taking bubble baths to manage his anxiety.

**Mrs. Simms**  
The compassionate third-grade teacher who uses a "halo" competition to encourage good behavior in her students, emphasizing the value of intrinsic goodness and morality.

**Mom**  
Suds’s supportive and understanding mother, who helps him navigate his emotional struggles and reinforces the values of empathy and integrity.

**Amy Morton**  
Suds’s younger sister, nicknamed “Zippernose,” who embodies typical sibling rivalry and serves as a catalyst for Suds’s self-reflection and growth.

**Joey Peterson**  
A new student in Suds’s class whose contrasting personality and attitudes towards authority create tension and foreshadow his role in the linked story, Fourth Grade Rats.

**Judy Billings**  
A fellow classmate and object of Suds’s affection, who remains indifferent to his feelings despite his long-standing admiration.

**Constantina Pappas**  
A minor character who plays a crucial role in advancing Suds’s understanding of genuine kindness through her selfless actions.

Jerry Spinelli

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

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Third Grade Angels Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

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Chapters 11-15

Third Grade Angels Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-17

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