Big Nate Goes for Broke by Lincoln Peirce, the fourth book in the Big Nate series, sees Nate and his friends facing off against their biggest rivals—Jefferson Middle School. After a series of unfortunate events, Nate’s school, P.S. 38, finds itself in a heated competition with Jefferson, known for its wealth and snobbish students. Nate takes the lead in rallying his friends for an epic battle, whether it’s in sports, art or pranks, to prove that his school is just as good as their rich rivals. As usual, Nate’s overconfidence and wild ideas lead to plenty of hilarious and chaotic situations.
I enjoyed the fun, fast-paced plot, and the way it brings out Nate’s competitive spirit. The rivalry with Jefferson adds a fresh challenge, and watching Nate and his friends come up with creative (and often disastrous) ways to beat their rivals makes for an entertaining read. However, compared to previous books, some of the pranks and schemes feel a bit more predictable, which slightly lowers the impact. Still, the humor and Nate’s never give up attitude keep the story engaging.
The main thing I like about this book is how it highlights teamwork and friendship. Nate may be the loudest and most confident of the bunch, but his friends play a crucial role in helping him take on Jefferson. Their teamwork, along with Nate’s humor and charm, makes Big Nate Goes for Broke an enjoyable and relatable read. I’d give it a solid four out of five for its humor, relatable school rivalry and the way it emphasizes the importance of sticking together to overcome challenges. It’s another great addition to the Big Nate series, even if not as groundbreaking as the earlier installments.