LSSL 5360 Module 6 book review #3- LUNCH LADY AND THE AUTHOR VISIT VENDETTA by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Module 6 book review #3- Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Krosoczka, J. (2009). Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta (First ed., #3). New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 978-0-375-86094-2

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

The school lunch lady, a secret crime fighter, and her side-kick Betty, investigate a suspicious author after he visits Thompson Brook Elementary school. When the gym teacher, Mr. Birkby, mysteriously disappears, Lunch Lady is determined to get to the bottom of this creepy author’s agenda, and she won’t stop until Mr. Birkby is found safe.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Another hilarious graphic novel with a silly plot and an engaging problem to solve: how will we get to the bottom of the mysterious Lewis Scribson and find the missing gym teachers from all across the country? I particularly loved the detailed spy equipment and clever ways the Lunch Lady used every day items to accomplish extraordinary spy tasks. Lunch Lady’s right-hand-woman, Betty, was my favorite aspect of the book. With all the gadgets that she constructs to help carry out their missions, she was absolutely hilarious and a great representation of the sidekick that every superhero needs.

In the end, evil is conquered and good prevails as they find the missing gym teacher, Mr. Birkby, and set free all the kidnapped and brainwashed gym teachers from Lewis Scribson’s mansion. It’s a fun book with a triumphant outcome, perfect for kids ages 8-12.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

“Lunch Lady, the kids, attack bunnies, coaches being hypnotized, even an author visit...what more can you ask for. Loved this one.” –Goodreads, starred review

“The illustrator uses a fine line of pen and ink with touches of yellow. Balloon call-outs are large and clear and work well for beginning readers and those new to the graphic-novel format.” –Lisa Gieskes, CA Johnson Preparatory Academy, Columbia, SC, School Library Journal

5. CONNECTIONS

*Ages 8-12
*May interest kids who like spy mysteries or detective stories
*There are ten graphic novels in the Lunch Lady series, all of which may interest your students if they enjoyed this book.