Knights Of The Lunch Table
by Frank Cammuso
Bibliography
Cammuso, F. (2008). Knights of the lunch table. New York: GRAPHIX. ISBN 13: 978-0439903226
Summary
Middle evil moves to middle school with the old favorite story of King Arthur with a modern twist. Artie, new student at Camelot MS, learns lessons about making friends and overcoming challenges with a little help from a magic locker and an unconventional guidance counselor.
My Impression
Students will enjoy the humor of this fast read and identify with the characters. It is a story where you cheer for the underdog and the bullies get what they deserve. The dedication says it all: “This book is for anyone who has ever been picked last.”
Reviews
From School Library Journal
Starred Review. Grade 4-8–Arthurian legend gets an update for young readers in this outstanding graphic novel. During his first day at Camelot Middle School, Artie King opens a locker that no one has ever been able to open; gets a pop quiz from his science teacher, Mr. Merlyn; and offends both Principal Dagger and bully Joe Roman...References to other versions of Arthurian legend are sprinkled throughout (such as mentions of Camelot alumni Terry White and Tommy Mallory), but the funny, fast-paced tale of young Arthur's quest to defeat the bullies stands well on its own. The appealing illustrations are full of color, action, and life.–Beth Gallego, Los Angeles Public Library, North Hollywood
From Booklist
Artie King’s first day at his new middle school is terrible: his nasty older sister ensures he misses the bus; a couple of geeky kids are friendly, but the school bullies smell a new victim; and the principal is a horror who hands out detentions and dire warnings as she peers out from behind her horn-rimmed glasses. Artie has muddied the waters a bit himself by boasting that he’s a dodgeball pro—when he’s really not. Kids familiar with King Arthur legends will like the idea of a mysterious locker, seemingly rusted shut, that opens for Artie and the helpful stranger named Merlyn (who turns out to be Artie’s science teacher and guidance counselor.) --Francisca Goldsmith
Suggested Activities
Good introduction to Graphic Novels. Read the real story of King Arthur and compare and contrast these stories.
Use this book to launch discussions for character counts lessons on truthfulness and bulling. What could have Artie done rather than lie about his dodge ball talents? Talk about the bullies in this story and ways to handle similar situations in real life.
