Ms. Weeks and Ms. Varadarajan alternate writing the chapters. Ms. Weeks tells the story from Joe's point of view and Ms. Varadarajan shares Ravi's story. They seamlessly weave together the boys' stories and create a satisfying ending.
Joe has Auditory Processing Disorder. For years he has endured the scorn and teasing from the class bully, Dillon Samreen. To make his situation worse, his mother now has job as a cafeteria monitor. She sees first hand the bullying and tries to intervene, only to make Joe's circumstances dire.
Ravi has moved from India to New Jersey with his parents and grandparents. In India he was a top student and athlete, and also very popular. Now he finds himself frustrated at teachers' and classmates' lack of understanding of him and his culture. Will he ever adjust to America, and will he find a friend?
The chapters are short. The plot moves quickly. I like how the book is divided up based on the school's lunches.
I appreciated the glossaries for both of the boys. Each author also included a recipe that represents each of the boys' cultures! My son wants to make both recipes (Apple Crisp and Naan Khatais).
--**Eating peanut M and Ms during or after this book is a must!!
Points to discuss/Warning: bullies, cruelty, inferred swearing Dillon is kleptomaniac and hides his stolen items in the front of his pants.
*Highly recommend (for 4th grade and up).
-Borrowed from the library.
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