June 8, 2018

Hello Readers,

                I’ve trudged through How Lunchbox Jones Saved Me from Robots, Traitors and Missy the Cruel.  Honestly, this was not my favorite of the ten Hellen Ruffin Reading Bowl 2018-2019 selections for grades 4-5.  This was my fourth read and yet again, it is a piece of realistic fiction set in modern day time. The reader is dropped right in the center of the life of a middle school boy as he maneuvers the trials of an ill-fated robotics team. It was fun to read what a seventh grader is thinking. It was like hearing his “inside voice” as he navigates the hallway of a school known for losing every sport it attempts and battling everyday conflicts with not-so-nice classmates. Unfortunately, his greatest trial was letting his brother leave for the Marines.  It was hard watching him be so unkind to his one-time best buddy.

                 I guess my problem with this story was the focus on mean, rude, nasty kids. The interactions are all presented with lots of sarcastic humor but I just don’t enjoy watching kids be unpleasant with other kids.  It wasn’t until more than half way through the book that the author allows our hero to understand the reasons these kids are so mean – hence the moral of the story becomes very clear.   I actually found myself cheering along in the last few chapters. The end is very sentimental and thoughtful.  I could see this turned into an afterschool special.  The moral of the story hits you over the head, while leaving you smiling.

                I’d like to read how you felt after reading this book.  Please send your review to lester.kimberly@muscogee.k12.ga.us.  I’ll post your review along with others as we encourage friends to read a great book.

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Enjoy!

Dr. Lester