I'll be in the Fourth Grade Forever

Author's Summary

A memoir of years from 1942 to 1953 as seen by a young girl who was transported
from California to war torn Europe to Kansas with her army officer father.

MWSA Review

Military children live a life entirely unlike their non-military peers. Maria Ruiz should know.She was an army brat during and after WWII, one with a sharp brain and a penchant for using it to get into mischief.

I’ll Be in the Fourth Grade Forever captures the innocence and insouciance of youth. Indeed, that is the most delightful aspect of Ruiz’ memoir, a narrative told with an adult’s wry sense of humor but a child’s straightforward simplicity. Beginning in 1943, three-year-old and ending in 1952, Maria recounts the trials common to many military families: the missing father away at war, the stateside family struggling to function without him, the joys of reunion, and difficulties of foreign assignments and home re-assignments. The generality appeals to those who have experienced such things, but has its own unique take. Imagine the awe of a child experiencing the wonder of a large piece of silk she found in an attic in a post WW II house. Maria was so enthralled she hung it out the window for the world to see. Only the window happened to be uphill from General Dwight Eisenhower’s quarters and the piece of silk was a Nazi flag. Needless to say, her action triggered a rapid official reaction.

Not all her experiences were that amusing, though, as not all child hood experiences are. There were bullies to be faced, too dangerous even for a determined tomboy. There also was a harrowing episode when her father suffered a severe case of mumps vacationing with the family in Poland. Sick as he was, he and the family hid under a load of hay in a cart and made it across the border just before the Iron Curtain dropped.

More in the ordinary way of life, Maria tells of her frustrations adjusting to stateside schools after Europe (hence the title) and her problems finding friends. Of trips to the dentist and of the family dog who just barely survived shipment back home. I’ll Be in the Fourth Grade Forever is a story any family can relate to, and one which even middle school children can understand. One hopes Ruiz will continue her story in a sequel.

Reviewed by: Barbara Peacock (2013)