Fourth Grade Is a Jinx

The Murphys #2

by Colleen O'Shaughnessy McKenna

Collette's teacher has an accident and Collette's mother becomes the substitute, which leads to lots of embarrassment for Collette, especially when her mom starts a fire during a science lab

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Juvenile

176 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1990

About the author

A former elementary school teacher, Colleen O'Shaughnessy McKenna lives in Pittsburgh with her family. She is best known for her Murphy series, based on her own family.

Reviews

[Amanda]

Lately I am knocking out all the elementary school feasts I didn't devour once upon a time!
This is a gem that offers a peek into the mind of a 4th grader adjusting to life's changes without the maturity necessary to fully understand them. Collette is funny, often whiny, and real. It is really a sweet read with a reminder that parents have needs too.
My only complaint is that cover art of inappropriately aged 9 year olds. Who approved *that* cover?!

[Emaan]

I like fourth grade is a jinx when the substitute teacher is collette's mum .

[Erin]

3.5. These Apple paperbacks spell elementary school for me. I read nearly all of them. In this novel, Collette is the oldest of four children and lives in a busy Irish household and attends Catholic School. Her teacher breaks her leg and Collette's mom becomes the substitute teacher for her class. Collette fears the embarrassment of having her mom as her teacher, but learns that her mom is a great teacher and that she herself is becoming more mature. It's a cute, believable story.

[Richard Federline]

Beginning Fourth Grade is great with a lot of expectation for a wonderful year. Day one starts well and then Quickly takes a dive. Suddenly Collette's mother becomes het teacher. What fourth grader wants her mother to be her teacher? Sooo embarrassing! Good read.

[Gabi Aharonov]

Super cute- I read it with my girls (8&11). Dealt with mom going to work as a teacher- my girls were like "My mom is a teacher so I don't get why she's freaking out" but they enjoyed the conflict and exciting twists and turns.

[Grace Castellucci]

I really like this book. Drama filled

[anja]

cute little teacher appreciation slay!!! so quintessentially late elementary. also marsha is the WORST and no im not afraid to say i hate a fictional nine year old girl!!!!!!!!

[Lexi]

So 80s

[shos]

first book that ive picked up solely because i was about to enter 4th grade lawl

[Kimberly OutspokenMom]

Welcome to Collette's Life. Fourth Grade started out wonderfully until her teacher's accident. Her mother becomes her sub. She thinks her mother will embarrass her in front of the class and Collette also thinks her mother should stay at home and take care of her little brother and sister. Collette's life changes and she learns in the end that shouldn't freak out so much. Life has its ups and downs but everything works out for the better.

[Ellie]

Even though this is my least favorite of the 4th Grade books I've read this week, I still enjoyed this book. The main character, Colette, describes several instances of embarrassment (her mom is the substitute teacher!) that all older elementary age students could relate to. Although her life seems to be jinxed, she realizes in the end that all the changes occurring are just part of the growing up process. This is more mushy and less funny than similar reads out there.

[Angelica]

I thought the book was a good book. I put it in my realistic-fiction shelf because someone's parent can become a teacher. It would be funny and scary to have my mom or dad become a teacher and teach me and my friends.

[Winnie]

really good..hahah..

[Marcus]

I LEARNED THAT FOURTH GRADE WAS NOT SO GOOD FOR THEM

[Justine]

I loved this book! I think it is a book that everybody should read!

[Rachel]

i was so tired when i was reading it so i am only on page 4 cant wait to read the rest

[Jazli Lopez]

I like this book because it reminds me of when parents come to our classroom.