Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade (Paperback)

~ Barthe DeClements (Author) "Mrs. Hanson, our fifth grade teacher, was sitting at her desk grading papers..." (more)
Key Phrases: playground teacher, Chris Johnson, Open House

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This winner of 13 state "children's favorite" awards shows Jenny and her friends as they struggle through elementary school injustices. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

The award-winning national bestseller! When Elsie Edwards becomes the new girl in the fifth grade, nothing seems fair--but lots of things are fun. "Absolutely marvelous."--Parents' Choice.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (May 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140344438
• ISBN-13: 978-0140344431
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #520,018 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Old Favorite, Still The Best, January 23, 2000

By A Customer

I have read so many books in my life that I sometimes feel that I have warped my sense of reality. But of all the books I have ever read, and that has to be at least thousands, this is the book I have read the most. I am 21 now, I have been reading in since I was in third grade. But I don't just read it, or remember it as some cheexy book from when I was a kid. Barthe DeClements was a school psychologist for many years, and that comes through in her writing. There's not a character in this book that rings false, I could picture each one of them as someone I knew. All these years later, the story is so familiar to me that I should be tired of it. But I am not. This really is a classic for kids, because everyone dislikes and them relates to Elsie. Elsie, of course, goes on to become the heroine of two more of DeClements novels, "How Do You Lose Those Ninth Grade Blues" and "Seventeen And In-Between". These are also rich novels, and they bring a happy end to characters we've loved forever. But I know everyone else wants another sequel! Start with this incomparable work, and then get to know the rest of DeClements fiction. You'll never forget it, trust me.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Barthe DeClements is a genius!, December 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade (Hardcover)

Barthe DeClements has created the most wonderful book for fifth-graders to read. Kids of all ages and grades would appreciate it as well, but I imagine that it is a target for most fifth-graders. There is humor, for sure. Cracks about Elsie Edwards' weight, such as when she's walking with Jenny, Diane, and Sharon, some sixth-grade boys say the bunch is "three flagpoles and a beach ball" and "three asparagus strings and a tomato". Elsie at first has no friends, and is disliked by everyone for stealing lunch money and scrounging at lunch time. But Jenny befriends her, and convinces Diane and Sharon to give her a chance as well. This is a read full of friendship, the real world, and fifth grade. And I declare one thing about the author of this book: Barthe DeClements is a genius!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST book I ever read!!!!!, October 1, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Nothing's Fair in the Fifth Grade (Paperback)

Is nothing fair for you in fifth grade?If so,the book Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade is the perfect book for you to read. Another reason to read the book is because it is full of friendship,so for all of you who like friendship books, this is for you.

The story is focused on the life of Elsie Edwards, who goes to a new school and is not welcome there. Elsie is an overweight girl, who is on a diet, but still asks people for food. One day, she starts stealing money, and when the teacher and the principal find out, the classroom door has to be locked. Jennifer, and Diane, are two girls in her class who don't like her. A little later in the book, Jennifer and Diane...Find out when you read the book!

I would recommend this book to forth and fifth graders, because it tells people about being friends, and relates to real life. The reason I really likes this book is because I liked the technique that the author used (of really explaining the characters feelings), and also, I could relate it to one of my friends' life. I read this book in the end of fourth grade, and I knew I was ready to help new people fit in in fifth grade. For all the people who don't like to read, THIS IS FOR YOU!