Lunch Lady Series

Book review by Teen Librarian, Common Sense Media
Lunch Lady Series Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

Wacky graphic novel series serves justice with sloppy joes.

Jarrett J. Krosoczka Humor 2009
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Parents say

age 7+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 6+

Based on 4 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that the Lunch Lady series is about a school Lunch Lady who's actually an undercover spy. She solves crimes at Thompson Brook School while also serving lunch to students who have no idea of her alter ego. There's minor violence in these very funny comic books, but it all stays very exaggerated and cartoony. The Lunch Lady is an admirable and surprising hero.

Community Reviews

ReadinMamma
ReadinMamma Adult
February 15, 2011
age 8+

Things were going great until the new book came out

We have read several books in the series and really enjoyed them.. UNTIL we read the recent release: Lunch Lady and the Summer Camp Shakedown (2010). I was very upset that this book had some emphasis on girls liking boys, lyrics to songs were listed that I feel are NOT appropriate for children ("Look at that girl, shakin' those hips. I just want to kiss her lips" and "She's gonna be kissin' me"), and one of the kids mentions "farting". We are teaching our kids that dating is not something to focus on until they are much older and we do not like them using a "crass" way to talk. Very, very, disappointed in this one, Jarrett!

This title has:

Great role models
burnsrunner
burnsrunner Adult
April 7, 2010
age 8+
My daughter and I are just getting into the comic style, and this looks right up our alley. It looks as though it would be a good book for Tween and under. Currently we are awaiting the new Disney Fairies comics that coming out this month. There are similar stories in there about bullying and friendship. So adorable too!
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

The Lunch Lady is an undercover spy at Thompson Brook School solving crimes and serving lunch to students who have no idea of her alter ego. Along with her fellow lunch lady, Betty, and the Breakfast Bunch -- students Hector, Terrence, and Dee -- Lunch Lady foils the criminal and saves the day every time. Whether it be a robot masquerading as a substitute teacher, an author who has been hypnotized, or an evil league of librarians, Lunch Lady uses her brains and technological gadgets to put things back to right.

Is It Any Good?

The extreme cartoony nature of these illustrations are a good fit for these outrageous and funny stories.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about bullying. Milmoe bullies main characters Moe, Terrence, and Dee. How do they respond to his taunts? Do you think they did the right thing?

  • The Lunch Lady has an alter ego that most of her students know nothing about. Have you ever seen a school teacher or your lunch lady outside of school hours? What are some of your favorite alter egos in books or movies? Why do most superheroes have them?

Book Details

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love graphic novels and funny books

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