Big Nate: In a Class by Himself

Big Nate: In a Class by Himself takes place over one day in an American middle school. While most school stories can feasibly occur in multiple grades, Nate’s story is specific to this placement. Middle schools allow students to walk to different classes, unlike elementary schools, where most learning occurs in the same room. Nate requires this time between classes to plot and plan with his friends. Similarly, if this story had occurred in elementary school, most of Nate’s classes would have been taught by the same teacher. That teacher probably would have sent Nate to the principal’s office after the second period. Likewise, if Nate had recess, which is required for elementary school, he probably would have planned to “surpass all others” there before anywhere else.

While the story does not work in an elementary school setting, high school is just as problematic. While Nate would be free to roam the halls, the probability of his having all his classes and lunch with his friends in high school is almost nonexistent. Without the support of his friends, Nate would not have gotten very far in his quest to “surpass all others.” Similarly, Nate’s immaturity is very specific to middle school.