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Fifth Grade Top Dogs
Newbery Medalist and KidLit icon Jerry Spinelli returns to the characters from Third Grade Angels and Fourth Grade Rats for FIFTH GRADE TOP DOGS!George, aka "Suds," is about the enter fifth grade, where he and his classmates will be the "top dogs" of the whole school. Maybe the teachers and principal think they’re in charge, but Suds and his friends know who really runs things. To get ready for this responsibility, Suds must project cool and be a leader. But what does it mean to be a leader?A warm, funny coming-of-age story from master storyteller Jerry Spinelli.
- GenresRealistic Fiction
192 pages, Hardcover
Published June 2, 2026
About the author
Jerry Spinelli
113 books4,105 followersWhen Jerry Spinelli was a kid, he wanted to grow up to be either a cowboy or a baseball player. Lucky for us he became a writer instead.
He grew up in rural Pennsylvania and went to college at Gettysburg College and Johns Hopkins University. He has published more than 25 books and has six children and 16 grandchildren.
Jerry Spinelli began writing when he was 16 — not much older than the hero of his book Maniac Magee. After his high school football team won a big game, his classmates ran cheering through the streets — all except Spinelli, who went home and wrote a poem about the victory. When his poem was published in the local paper, Spinelli decided to become a writer instead of a major-league shortstop.
In most of his books, Spinelli writes about events and feelings from his own childhood. He also gets a lot of material from his seven adventurous kids! Spinelli and his wife, Eileen, also a children's book author, live in Pennsylvania.
He grew up in rural Pennsylvania and went to college at Gettysburg College and Johns Hopkins University. He has published more than 25 books and has six children and 16 grandchildren.
Jerry Spinelli began writing when he was 16 — not much older than the hero of his book Maniac Magee. After his high school football team won a big game, his classmates ran cheering through the streets — all except Spinelli, who went home and wrote a poem about the victory. When his poem was published in the local paper, Spinelli decided to become a writer instead of a major-league shortstop.
In most of his books, Spinelli writes about events and feelings from his own childhood. He also gets a lot of material from his seven adventurous kids! Spinelli and his wife, Eileen, also a children's book author, live in Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 10, 2026
There’s something magical about the moment kids step into fifth grade — that sweet spot where confidence blooms, friendships deepen, and the world suddenly feels just a little bigger. Jerry Spinelli captures that energy beautifully in Fifth Grade Top Dogs: A Rule the School Book, a lively, big‑hearted look at what it really means to be the oldest kids in building.
With humor, honesty, and Spinelli’s unmistakable ear for kid voices, this story celebrates the triumphs, stumbles, and everyday heroics that make fifth grade unforgettable.
I love the Black and White illustrations scattered throughout the book that David Miles created. Kids will love them, too.
As I spent time with these spirited “Top Dogs,” I found myself smiling at the familiar chaos of school life. I am sure both kids and adults, will identify with the characters and laugh at things they do and think.
If you have read other Jerry Spinelli books, you already know he is a master storyteller. His writing perfectly portrays pre-teen thru high school boys and girls, never missing an opportunity to make each character come to life in an honest and real way. I was so happy to have another Jerry Spinelli book to read. I laughed, I smiled and thought, "Perfect. I couldn't wait to turn the page," and when I reached the end, I was eager to share why this book deserves a spot on classroom shelves and family reading lists.
Here is a classroom discussion guide for Fifth Grade Top Dogs: A Rule the School Book — Thoughtfully structured, and ready for teachers to use with their 4–6. grade students,
This book is filled with big themes thar teachers can explore in Fifth Grade Top Dogs by Jerry Spinelli. Like 🐾Leadership & Responsibility - Friendship & Peer Dynamics - Identity & Growing Up - School Community.
CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What does it mean to be a “Top Dog”?
Students can reflect on how the fifth graders see themselves versus how they actually behave.
How do the characters define being the oldest in the school?
Do they always act like leaders?
What responsibilities come with being a role model?
2. Which character did you relate to most?
Spinelli gives each student a distinct voice.
Which mistake felt the most realistic?
What did the character learn from it?
How do mistakes help us grow?
3. How does humor help tell the story?
Spinelli uses humor to soften tough moments.
How do the fifth graders support younger students?
Why do funny scenes stick with us?
How does humor help us understand the characters better?
4. What makes a school feel like a community?
What traditions or routines make your school feel special?
How do the fifth graders support the students?
What traditions or routines make your school feel special?
Identify a moment when a character unexpectedly stepped up.
DISCUSS FRIENDSHIP CHALLENGES.
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES:
Character Trading Cards
Students design cards with traits, strengths, challenges, and a “Top Dog Moment.”
TOP DOG LEADERSHIP POSTER
Groups create posters showing what real leadership looks like in their school.
CLASSROOM ACT
Rewrite a Scene
Students choose a chapter and rewrite it from another character’s point of view.
SCHOOL RULE REMIX
Kids propose new rules for their school — serious or silly — and justify them.
TOP DOG JOURNAL
Daily quick‑writes about responsibility, friendship, or memorable school moments.
I am sure there are many more ways to creatively use this book, but most of all it is a middle grade fun book that the whole family will love. Don't miss this book.
With humor, honesty, and Spinelli’s unmistakable ear for kid voices, this story celebrates the triumphs, stumbles, and everyday heroics that make fifth grade unforgettable.
I love the Black and White illustrations scattered throughout the book that David Miles created. Kids will love them, too.
As I spent time with these spirited “Top Dogs,” I found myself smiling at the familiar chaos of school life. I am sure both kids and adults, will identify with the characters and laugh at things they do and think.
If you have read other Jerry Spinelli books, you already know he is a master storyteller. His writing perfectly portrays pre-teen thru high school boys and girls, never missing an opportunity to make each character come to life in an honest and real way. I was so happy to have another Jerry Spinelli book to read. I laughed, I smiled and thought, "Perfect. I couldn't wait to turn the page," and when I reached the end, I was eager to share why this book deserves a spot on classroom shelves and family reading lists.
Here is a classroom discussion guide for Fifth Grade Top Dogs: A Rule the School Book — Thoughtfully structured, and ready for teachers to use with their 4–6. grade students,
This book is filled with big themes thar teachers can explore in Fifth Grade Top Dogs by Jerry Spinelli. Like 🐾Leadership & Responsibility - Friendship & Peer Dynamics - Identity & Growing Up - School Community.
CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What does it mean to be a “Top Dog”?
Students can reflect on how the fifth graders see themselves versus how they actually behave.
How do the characters define being the oldest in the school?
Do they always act like leaders?
What responsibilities come with being a role model?
2. Which character did you relate to most?
Spinelli gives each student a distinct voice.
Which mistake felt the most realistic?
What did the character learn from it?
How do mistakes help us grow?
3. How does humor help tell the story?
Spinelli uses humor to soften tough moments.
How do the fifth graders support younger students?
Why do funny scenes stick with us?
How does humor help us understand the characters better?
4. What makes a school feel like a community?
What traditions or routines make your school feel special?
How do the fifth graders support the students?
What traditions or routines make your school feel special?
Identify a moment when a character unexpectedly stepped up.
DISCUSS FRIENDSHIP CHALLENGES.
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES:
Character Trading Cards
Students design cards with traits, strengths, challenges, and a “Top Dog Moment.”
TOP DOG LEADERSHIP POSTER
Groups create posters showing what real leadership looks like in their school.
CLASSROOM ACT
Rewrite a Scene
Students choose a chapter and rewrite it from another character’s point of view.
SCHOOL RULE REMIX
Kids propose new rules for their school — serious or silly — and justify them.
TOP DOG JOURNAL
Daily quick‑writes about responsibility, friendship, or memorable school moments.
I am sure there are many more ways to creatively use this book, but most of all it is a middle grade fun book that the whole family will love. Don't miss this book.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Suds Morton and his best friend Joey are excited to enter fifth grade, but don't like the school moniker of "fifth grade monkeys", based on an odd rhyme that the previous books in the series (Third Grade Angels, Fourth Grade Rats) embraces. Instead, they decide that they will be the "top dogs" or, as Suds' mother says, the "top puppies". Suds' younger sister, Amy, whom he calls Zippernose, is a fourth grader, and is making his life difficult, perhaps because of how casually mean he is to her. Suds spends the days leading up to the start of school obsessing about how he can be cool, declaring that he will now only eat meat at lunch, and even asking his father for pointers. Once he finally gets to school, he enjoys his teacher, Mr. Miles, but pushes the envelope when it comes to the school rules. He has an altercation with a younger student over a tater tot, runs a foul of his mother by not coming home on time, and takes all the Halloween candy from a bowl at a house marked "take one", and is caught in a surprising way. He has a long time crush on Judy, and while he starts to talk to her, the two have a falling out. There are some good parts to the year, such as when a first grade teacher has a medical emergency and the fifth grade students come to the rescue.
Strengths: This is very anecdotal, and might be popular with readers who are committed to WIMPY KID books. There are a lot of illustrations (including one with a speech bubble stating "poot" coming from Suds' bottom) that will appeal to readers as well. Suds' parents are both alive and involved in his life, and take appropriate measures when Suds misbehaves. While the other books in this series came out quite a while ago (1991 and 2012), I know that Spinelli's work is popular, and elementary schools might want to take a look at this new addition.
Weaknesses: This lacks a plot, and has a lot of unpleasant behavior that seems very dated.
What I really think: There are definite JUNIE B. JONES (1992) vibes to this book, and I wonder if it was perhaps written 30 years ago but was pushed aside while Spinelli wrote other books. While this has more appeal than his experimental Hokey Pokey, it is a bit young for middle school readers, so I will pass on purchase.
Suds Morton and his best friend Joey are excited to enter fifth grade, but don't like the school moniker of "fifth grade monkeys", based on an odd rhyme that the previous books in the series (Third Grade Angels, Fourth Grade Rats) embraces. Instead, they decide that they will be the "top dogs" or, as Suds' mother says, the "top puppies". Suds' younger sister, Amy, whom he calls Zippernose, is a fourth grader, and is making his life difficult, perhaps because of how casually mean he is to her. Suds spends the days leading up to the start of school obsessing about how he can be cool, declaring that he will now only eat meat at lunch, and even asking his father for pointers. Once he finally gets to school, he enjoys his teacher, Mr. Miles, but pushes the envelope when it comes to the school rules. He has an altercation with a younger student over a tater tot, runs a foul of his mother by not coming home on time, and takes all the Halloween candy from a bowl at a house marked "take one", and is caught in a surprising way. He has a long time crush on Judy, and while he starts to talk to her, the two have a falling out. There are some good parts to the year, such as when a first grade teacher has a medical emergency and the fifth grade students come to the rescue.
Strengths: This is very anecdotal, and might be popular with readers who are committed to WIMPY KID books. There are a lot of illustrations (including one with a speech bubble stating "poot" coming from Suds' bottom) that will appeal to readers as well. Suds' parents are both alive and involved in his life, and take appropriate measures when Suds misbehaves. While the other books in this series came out quite a while ago (1991 and 2012), I know that Spinelli's work is popular, and elementary schools might want to take a look at this new addition.
Weaknesses: This lacks a plot, and has a lot of unpleasant behavior that seems very dated.
What I really think: There are definite JUNIE B. JONES (1992) vibes to this book, and I wonder if it was perhaps written 30 years ago but was pushed aside while Spinelli wrote other books. While this has more appeal than his experimental Hokey Pokey, it is a bit young for middle school readers, so I will pass on purchase.
June 6, 2026
What worked:
The plot will be familiar to all middle-grade readers, as best friends George (Suds) and Joey look forward to being the oldest class in their elementary school. The early chapters describe George preparing for the first day of school, as he doesn’t know how to be a Top Dog. He consults with his mom and dad, but Joey gives him the most useful tips. George asks Joey how he can be so cool, and Joey replies that the best way is to fake it until you feel it. All middle-grade students go through fifth grade, so they can relate to George’s questions, doubts, and insecurities. The story is told from George’s point of view, so readers will know everything he thinks and feels. The narrative isn’t complicated by advanced vocabulary or surprising twists, so it can be easily read and finished in a short amount of time.
The author includes two common subplots to enhance the story. George finds his younger sister very annoying, and there’s only one year difference in their ages. George wants more privacy, and he’s tired of Zippernose barging into his bedroom. He can’t stand her crying and whining when she doesn’t get her way, and he might be getting too old for the pranks they pull on each other. Another problem for George is the crush he’s had on a classmate since they were in first grade. He always gets nervous around Judy, but he can’t stop watching her whenever he can. At first, he’s happy when Judy bullies his sister off the swings during recess, but it also makes him feel uneasy. I mean, Zipoernose is his little sister after all.
What didn’t work as well:
The story may be overly simple for older middle-grade readers. The adults in this book are probably kinder and more understanding than in the real world, as the boys test the limits of their independence.
The final verdict:
Spinelli captures the trials and tribulations of fifth-grade boys with his easy narrative and sense of humor. In the end, readers can benefit from George’s realizations and lessons learned. I recommend you give this book a shot.
The plot will be familiar to all middle-grade readers, as best friends George (Suds) and Joey look forward to being the oldest class in their elementary school. The early chapters describe George preparing for the first day of school, as he doesn’t know how to be a Top Dog. He consults with his mom and dad, but Joey gives him the most useful tips. George asks Joey how he can be so cool, and Joey replies that the best way is to fake it until you feel it. All middle-grade students go through fifth grade, so they can relate to George’s questions, doubts, and insecurities. The story is told from George’s point of view, so readers will know everything he thinks and feels. The narrative isn’t complicated by advanced vocabulary or surprising twists, so it can be easily read and finished in a short amount of time.
The author includes two common subplots to enhance the story. George finds his younger sister very annoying, and there’s only one year difference in their ages. George wants more privacy, and he’s tired of Zippernose barging into his bedroom. He can’t stand her crying and whining when she doesn’t get her way, and he might be getting too old for the pranks they pull on each other. Another problem for George is the crush he’s had on a classmate since they were in first grade. He always gets nervous around Judy, but he can’t stop watching her whenever he can. At first, he’s happy when Judy bullies his sister off the swings during recess, but it also makes him feel uneasy. I mean, Zipoernose is his little sister after all.
What didn’t work as well:
The story may be overly simple for older middle-grade readers. The adults in this book are probably kinder and more understanding than in the real world, as the boys test the limits of their independence.
The final verdict:
Spinelli captures the trials and tribulations of fifth-grade boys with his easy narrative and sense of humor. In the end, readers can benefit from George’s realizations and lessons learned. I recommend you give this book a shot.
June 16, 2026
I was delighted to see there was a new addition to this series. I've loved the other books growing up and I've enjoyed reading them to my students. After I read this book out loud to my own kids, I read it to my class since we had already the 4th Grade Rats. They giggled, groaned and loved the story and antics. It's all that you would expect from a Spinelli book in this series. This was a good book to help my students "theme" and being a better "kid human". Spinelli has a gift for connecting real life to different age groups and this story was no exception.
I loved the shenanigans Suds and Joey get into as they try to become the top dogs in the school. It's a great continuation from the previous books and still so funny. It's relatable to kids and my students were able to see that life at the top is not all it's cracked up to be. The boys deal with sibling love, friendships, (I enjoyed this relationship) and understanding what a cool kid really is. When the boys learn what it really means to be a top dog, I celebrated and loved connecting it to real life. Highly recommend!
I loved the shenanigans Suds and Joey get into as they try to become the top dogs in the school. It's a great continuation from the previous books and still so funny. It's relatable to kids and my students were able to see that life at the top is not all it's cracked up to be. The boys deal with sibling love, friendships, (I enjoyed this relationship) and understanding what a cool kid really is. When the boys learn what it really means to be a top dog, I celebrated and loved connecting it to real life. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As a long time Spinelli fan ("Who Put that Hair in My Toothbrush" being my all-time favorite!) I was so excited to see a new read from him! Sadly, I was disappointed. I feel like too much time has passed since we first met this book's characters in their first two books. The audience this book was written for will not be familiar with the character, and since the first two books have aged so much, few school librarians will be interested in adding those dated books to their collections. I couldn't really connect with the characters - the book was so short and fast it didn't really have the trademark depth to Spinelli's earlier titles. Hopefully this was a book to break past writer's block and get that profound storytelling groove back.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Suds Morton is finally in 5th grade! The recess rhyme everyone has been chanting calls them 5th grade monkeys, but Suds and his friend Joey decide to call themselves Top Dogs instead. Now the oldest kids in the school, they perfect their walk, their attitudes and their coolness. Suds may even try to get a girlfriend; he's had a crush on Julia since forever.
This is a family that uses nicknames, and his little sister, a fourth grader, is called Zip, short for Zippernose. I didn't love that her mom called her Zip too, or the extreme rivalry/mean dynamics of the children. I think their tricks on each other are meant to be funny, but they go too far. I read it because I love many of Spinelli’s other books, not sure I'd recommend this one. Read Maniac Magee or Stargirl instead.
This is a family that uses nicknames, and his little sister, a fourth grader, is called Zip, short for Zippernose. I didn't love that her mom called her Zip too, or the extreme rivalry/mean dynamics of the children. I think their tricks on each other are meant to be funny, but they go too far. I read it because I love many of Spinelli’s other books, not sure I'd recommend this one. Read Maniac Magee or Stargirl instead.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I read this book with my 5th grader because the title makes it seem like her age would be the target audience. I do think this book will be enjoyed by younger kids (2nd/3rd grade) but was a little too young and immature for her age. There were parts we found funny and there are some good lessons learned towards the end, but overall the characters just cause problems and have an elitist attitude just because they are the top of the school which my daughter found unrealistic and not how kids act at school. I think kids that like Diary of a Wimpy kid or similar books will enjoy this. There are short chapters and pictures throughout, it is a fairly easy read. Overall, not a bad book but definitely written for a younger audience that enjoys goofy, simple books.
December 13, 2025
Jerry Spinelli returns to the characters seen in Third Grade Angels and Fourth Grade Rats in this coming-of-age book about Suds and Joey wanting to be the Top Dogs in 5th grade. The boys try all kinds of things like from running away from a spider, taking all the candy at Halloween from a neighbor’s bowl, to not doing things just because they don’t feel like doing it. Then one day they see a teacher passed out, and they tell the office and their teacher. That changes things for the boys who were becoming bored. Suds realizes doing the right things and being more responsible is making him a Top Dog.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
June 18, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
my favorite is still fourth grade rats and i found this one to be pretty repetitive of the main character’s arc from that book. despite that, it was still an enjoyable read. i do love the final resolutions and how growing up is approached in this series and i think this one had a really good message about leadership. not a huge fan of how frequent it says the word crap in this one though bc some of my students are still very innocent and it’s awkward to read it and move on but whatever we will persist
my favorite is still fourth grade rats and i found this one to be pretty repetitive of the main character’s arc from that book. despite that, it was still an enjoyable read. i do love the final resolutions and how growing up is approached in this series and i think this one had a really good message about leadership. not a huge fan of how frequent it says the word crap in this one though bc some of my students are still very innocent and it’s awkward to read it and move on but whatever we will persist
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Spinelli has always understood the pacing in a book for kids and his latest is no different. The chapters fly by quickly as Suds stumbles through what it means to be one of the leaders of his elementary school. I liked how the resolution focused on a “with great power comes great responsibility” storyline, but there were other parts of the book that felt a little dated, like Suds’ relationship with his crush, Judy.
November 15, 2025
This was too freaking adorable lol, I just know the children will love this one. As adult, I was just chuckling at the boys. “Woof Woof” it just really sounds like school age kiddos would do. They were really preparing to be the next big thing LOL, when he started implying the rules to home.. omg lol.
I really had a great time reading this story:)
I really had a great time reading this story:)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is a fun read; boys especially will enjoy envisioning themselves as "top dogs", the description for fifth grade boys at their school. Overall this read is light-hearted and often hilarious.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews