I really loved this book. I don't think kids under ten should read it though. BUT, I loved this book!!!
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If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period
(2007, Fiction - Family Life, Written by Gennifer Choldenko)
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Engrossing story of fitting in at private school.
Themes in this book include: growing up, peer pressure
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
What to watch out for
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Role models:
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period
Parents need to know that many products are mentioned by name, most of them junk foods (from Snickers to Krispy Kreme to Burger King). Also, part of the plot revolves around a "love child," and some secondary characters are racist.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the issue of fitting in. How far would you go to fit in? Is it possible to get along and be happy in middle and high school and be yourself at the same time?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My highlights are:
Read this please, but not 9 and under
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
LOV IT
this is the best book i have every read. . . i loved reading it for the first time I love to read gross books and realistic books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YOU SHOULD READ IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU WILL LOVE IT. . . AND IF YOU DON'T YOU'RE WEIRD!
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
Appealing; but protagonist's disordered eating is a concern
Appealing and enjoyable. Some unlikable characters show race and class prejudices. The "love child" plot component might be more unsettling for some readers than others. My main concern, however, is on the very likable girl protagonist's disordered eating: she sneaks and hides junk food and has not only put on 30 pounds, but is ashamed to have others know or see what she's been eating. While it's a plausible character and plot point so it makes sense in the story, it nevertheless concerns me as a behavior model, especially as this character is so likable. I'd think long and hard about a girl reader's own body image, and any proclivity towards disordered eating, in deciding whether to recommend the book.
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