Parents' Guide to

Knights of the Lunch Table Series

By Carrie Kingsley, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Boy uses brains, heart, and friends to stand up to bullying.

Book Frank Cammuso Graphic Novel 2008
Knights of the Lunch Table Series Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

See all

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

What's the Story?

In the KNIGHTS OF THE LUNCH TABLE series, Artie King is the new kid at Camelot Middle School, but finds himself to be the target of the school bully, Joe, and his gang, The Horde. Artie quickly finds his own circle of friends, school misfits Percy and Wayne, and an instant ally in science teacher Mr. Merlyn, but still must avoid the bullies or pay the consequences. Artie becomes a school legend when opens a supposedly magical locker that no kid has ever been able to open, but that enrages The Horde. Throughout the series, Artie and his friends battle the bullies on the dodgeball court, in the school halls, on stage with their bands, and all around Camelot.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Graphic novels often tackle serious issues, and this engaging series is no exception, as we see a boy dealing with school bullies. The Knights of the Lunch Table series offers a funny, empathetic look at the bullying behavior so many children experience at school. Readers might not have been on the receiving end of physical bullying, but most have, at some point, felt like Artie: picked on just for existing. But here, Artie stands up and is true to himself, with the help of a couple of close friends and a teacher who looks out for him. The series targets ages 7-11, but might be better for the older end of that range, readers who can process the deeper issues. That said, Artie and his friends have fun with their own gang, knights gathered around their round lunch table, joking, and happy to be together.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how bullying affects everyone in the Knights of the Lunch Table series. It isn't just Artie or other direct victims; the entire school lives in fear of Joe and The Horde. What would that be that like?

  • Mr. Merlyn is Artie's first ally, and it changes how Artie feels at school. Have you ever had an important ally, or been someone's ally?

  • What other graphic novels are about kids at school? Do any others go on quests like Artie?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended book lists

Related Topics

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate