Third Grade Angels (A Rule the School Book)

Awesome book. Great read. Lots of lessons learned.

I have read Third Grade Angels to my 3rd graders every single year, and without fail, they are completely hooked. This is one of those rare books that is laugh-out-loud funny, emotionally real, and packed with social-emotional learning without ever feeling preachy. Suds thinks third graders are supposed to be “angels”—and his teacher, Mrs. Simms, makes it official with a monthly Halo Award for the best-behaved student. Sounds great… until Suds realizes that being “perfect” is way more stressful than it looks. The questions this book raises are pure gold for kids: Does being good only count if a teacher sees it? Do good deeds still matter at home? What if you try to be good but mess up? My students deeply relate to Suds—his anxiety, his overthinking, his little-sister struggles, and his big heart. This book sparks the best classroom discussions about: Integrity Kindness when no one’s watching Peer pressure Being human instead of perfect Why It’s Perfect for 3rd Grade ✔️ Engaging, fast-moving chapters ✔️ Relatable school setting ✔️ Humor that kids actually get ✔️ Strong SEL without heavy lecturing ✔️ Great for ages 8–10 And yes—there’s a sequel, Fourth Grade Rats, and it’s just as good. My students always cheer when I tell them there’s another book coming next year. 🐀😄 If you’re a teacher, parent, counselor, or homeschool family looking for a book that: ✅ Builds character ✅ Creates meaningful conversation ✅ Keeps kids laughing ✅ And feels truly authentic This one belongs on your shelf. Timeless. Funny. Heartfelt. Classroom gold. 💛📚

I read a chapter or three to my kindergarten grandson whenever he spends the night. He loves it! Good solid storytelling, with plenty of opportunity to talk about values.

I love this book! Suds, the main character, reminds me of myself in school. We both work hard in school to be kind and hit our goals at school. Suds is determined to get his halo in class by being the most kind. For example, he holds the door open for both girls and boys. He picks up trash and does other good deeds as well. The book is very funny especially in the part where way they all say, "First grade babies, second grade cats; third grade angels and fourth grade rats!" There are parts that are very funny like believing the teacher has "spies" and other things like that. And, it has a surprising ending!! It did not end the way I thought it would, but it still had a great turn out. I think you should read this book!!! It was AMAZING!! ~Andilyn, 4th grade ~edited review by the "Dad"

Suds finds out what being an angel really means in this cute lil book about the third grade boy and his teacher’s challenge.

My third graders loved this story. Great read aloud for the start of a new year!

This was on our son’s entering 3rd grade summer reading list. For some reason the cover made me think it was about baseball, which it’s NOT, lol. This was our first Spinelli book, but definitely not our last! We LOVED this book! We read a chapter per night at bedtime and each chapter ended with a cliffhanger. It was so fun. Both my son and I would get excited to see what happens next, lol. We highly recommend! Can’t wait to read Fourth Grade Rats now. :)

Cute book

My students LOVED this booked. I read it to them chapter by chapter. We made predictions, shared connections, discussed story elements, etc. They really related to it.

A touching story about a boy eager to win a halo. I found the ending spectacular. Characters are well developed.

My son loved it and made me leave a comment

As good as expected

My students enjoyed this book