Book 1
by Veera Hiranandani
Illustated by Christine Almeda
Penguin Workshop
2020
117 pages (sneak peek of book 2 follows)
ISBN: 9780593096901
Third grader Phoebe is excited to go to school since she'll be in class with BFF Sage (a boy). Mom gave her a new sparkly notebook where she can write her lists. Even more exciting, a new student joins their class. Her name is Camille and she's from France. Phoebe is immediately interested to meet someone from far away, and when Camille opens her lunch, it's the most fascinating, yet strange thing Phoebe has ever seen.
Camille unwraps a tiny loaf of bread, a butter lettuce salad with DUCK in it and a smelly cheese with blue dots on it. Dessert is fresh strawberries she sprinkles with powdered sugar. Poor Phoebe! Her lunch is as boring as bologna. While Camille brings in upscale dishes with eccentric ingredients, Phoebe eats the same old stuff every day. Sage gets jealous because Phoebe is paying more attention to Camille and her wonderful lunches than to him, her lifelong friend.
Dinner at Phoebe's house is an afterthought. Like most working couples, Phoebe's parents use frozen and pre-packaged foods that are quick to cook but lack fun or finesse. Phoebe hopes to be invited to Camille's house where she is sure they must eat off china with linen napkins. Finally, Phoebe is invited to dinner!
Phoebe continues to be mesmerized by Camille's fantastic lunchbox, and she even tries to make her own lunch more upscale. When Sage begins sitting at another table, Phoebe decides to split her time with Sage and Camille. She makes one of her famous notes and gives each of them a copy. Every other day, Phoebe will sit with Sage. On the the other days, she'll sit with Camille. Sage is angry! When he makes fun of Camille's lunch, she runs to the bathroom in tears. Phoebe calms her and makes new lists.
Phoebe tells Sage no matter who has what interesting food, he is her friend forever. Phoebe invites both friends to a picnic lunch where she makes new dishes and the three of them decide food is for sharing no matter what!
Highly recommended! Easy to read, accessible font with handwritten notes from Phoebe and illustrations throughout. Quick chapters for emerging readers. Age 8 and up.
Sounds like a fun read for younger middle graders. It sounds like it deals with a lot of issues kids that age deal with and books about food are popular.
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