Fifth Grade Top Dogs

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Author(s)

Jerry Spinelli

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

June 02, 2026

ISBN

979-8225028237

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Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli returns to the characters from Third Grade Angels and Fourth Grade Rats for FIFTH GRADE TOP DOGS!

George, aka "Suds," is about to start the fifth grade, where he, his best friend Joey, and the rest of his classmates will be the top dogs of the whole school. They are ready to collect on the respect they now deserve and leave their lasting legacy at Gotwals Elementary . . . but that's easier said than done.

Between bullies on the playground and a prankster sister, Suds is being undermined, ignored, and even challenged everywhere he turns.

Suds knows this could finally be his year, if only he works on his walk, perfects his image, and his annoying little sister stays out of his way. He has been preparing to be a top dog his whole elementary school career. Does he now have what it takes?

Editor review

1 review

Growing up

June 06, 2026 (Updated: June 07, 2026)

Overall rating

3.7

Plot

3.0

Characters

4.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

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.