Graphic Novel # 8 - Knights of the Lunch Table:No. 1 (The Dodge Ball Chronicles) by Frank Cammuso

Mary's Thoughts:

I connected with this book from the dedication page.  Author Frank Cammuso dedicated this page to "anyone who has ever been picked last."  Like many people, I have vivid memories, from childhood, of being picked last in gym class.  Even as an adult, I still have times when I experience bitter moments of being picked last.  I know that there are many students who will identify with the character, Artie, who has been picked last many times and just wants to experience being really good at something.

When Artie starts attending Camelot Middle School, he quickly becomes known as "the chosen one," but he is fearful that he will be discovered for who he thinks he really is - a loser.  He leads his friends to believe he is a dodge ball champion, and to his dismay, becomes embroiled in a dodge ball tournament against the school bully, Horde, and Horde's friends.  Is Artie, indeed, the chosen one?  Can he pull this off and win the dodge ball game against Horde and his friends? You will have to read the book to find out!

This book is first one in the Knights of the Lunch Table series.  The illustrations are simple and easy to the eye, and the story line is magnetic and engaging.  I think it is perfect for reluctant readers in grades 2 - 5.  Most boys will love it, and so will the girls!

Pixie's Thoughts:

Woof! I think most books this length are too long for me, but I couldn't put this book down.  Mom had to call me three times at dinner time because I was so enthralled with it!  I will put Knights of the Lunch Table 2 and 3 on my Someday Book List!


    



Classroom Applications:

1) Create a book trailer to entice your reluctant readers to give this book a try.

2) If your students enjoy this series, they might also enjoy The Misadventures of Salem Hyde: Spelling Trouble, Otto's Orange Day, and Max Hamm Fairy Tale Detective. 

Frank Cammuso's Author Website