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TL;DR: Twelve-year-old Peter Hatcher gets shocking news: his mother is having a baby, and the family is moving from New York City to Princeton, New Jersey, for a year. Peter must start a new school, deal with a new baby sister and, worst of all, keep surviving his wild five-year-old brother Fudge, who starts kindergarten and causes chaos everywhere.
Table of Contents
Superfudge at a Glance
| Author | Judy Blume |
| First published | 1980 |
| Type | Children's novel |
| Best for | young readers who want a funny family story about siblings |
Superfudge is a children's novel by Judy Blume, published in 1980. It is the sequel to Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and part of the Fudge series. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Very gentle; includes sibling squabbles and a scene about a pet bird's death.
Main Characters
- Peter Hatcher: A sensible twelve-year-old and the narrator.
- Fudge (Farley Drexel Hatcher): Peter's wild, funny five-year-old brother.
- Tootsie: The new baby sister.
- Mr. and Mrs. Hatcher: Peter's patient parents.
- Uncle Feather: Fudge's pet mynah bird.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
Big news
Peter learns that his mother is pregnant. He is upset because Fudge has already caused enough trouble. When baby Tootsie arrives, Fudge tries to sell her, thinking it would be a good deal.
Moving to Princeton
Peter's father decides to take a year off from his job to write a book, and the family moves to Princeton, New Jersey. Peter is angry about leaving his friends and his New York City apartment, but he meets a new friend, Alex.
Fudge in kindergarten
Fudge starts kindergarten and refuses to go by his real name, insisting he be called Fudge. He clashes with his strict teacher and is moved to a new class with a teacher he loves. He also makes friends with Daniel and Mitzi.
Pets and problems
Fudge gets a mynah bird, Uncle Feather, who learns rude phrases. Peter's pet turtle Dribble causes worry, and the family goes through holiday surprises and Peter's worry that his parents love Fudge best. Fudge begins to question whether Santa Claus is real.
Decision time
At the end of the year, the Hatchers must decide whether to stay in Princeton or return to New York. The family votes. Peter has grown to like Princeton, but they choose to return to the city, and Peter learns that home is where his family is.
5 Key Takeaways
- Siblings can drive you crazy and still be family.
- Change is hard but often brings good surprises.
- Every family member needs to feel valued.
- Humor helps families get through stress.
- New places can lead to new friendships.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- A new baby changes everyone's role in the family.
- Little kids see the world in hilarious ways.
- Feeling jealous is normal and can be talked about.
Who Should Read Superfudge?
Read Superfudge if you liked Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing or enjoy funny family stories. It suits readers about 7 to 11.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Superfudge:
- Why is Peter annoyed by Fudge?
- How does the move change Peter?
- Which Fudge moment was funniest?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Superfudge is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Superfudge, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. It is laugh-out-loud funny and very relatable for anyone with a little brother or sister. It works well read aloud.
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What to Read Next
- Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume: the first Fudge book
- Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary: another hilarious younger sibling
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney: family chaos and middle school
Related: 15 Books Like Superfudge You’ll Love · In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume: Summary and Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Superfudge about?
Peter Hatcher deals with a new baby sister, a move to New Jersey and his wild little brother Fudge.
Who wrote Superfudge?
Judy Blume, in 1980.
Is Superfudge part of a series?
Yes, the Fudge series, after Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.
What is Fudge's real name?
Farley Drexel Hatcher.
What is the baby's name?
Tootsie (Tamara Roxanne Hatcher).
Where do they move?
To Princeton, New Jersey, for a year.
What age is it for?
About 7 to 11.
How long is it?
About 200 pages.
What pet does Fudge get?
A mynah bird named Uncle Feather.
Do they stay in Princeton?
No. The family returns to New York City.
Who are the main characters in Superfudge?
The main characters are Peter Hatcher, Fudge (Farley Drexel Hatcher), Tootsie, Mr. and Mrs. Hatcher and Uncle Feather. Peter Hatcher: A sensible twelve-year-old and the narrator. Fudge (Farley Drexel Hatcher): Peter's wild, funny five-year-old brother. Tootsie: The new baby sister.
Is Superfudge worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for young readers who want a funny family story about siblings. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.