#12 in Junie B. Jones Series
Junie B. First Grader Boss of Lunch
2002 by
on Goodreads (5,891)
What’s inside...
Junie B. is finally a first grader, and she's having a hard time following the rules and behaving. She's a regular at the principal's office, but when she becomes the lunch lady's helper, she starts getting a taste of power. As the boss of the lunch line, she makes sure everyone follows her rules, leading to a few hilarious and teachable moments.
Why read this book
- Engaging, humorous storyline captivates young readers.
- Junie B.'s character teaches resilience and courage.
- Highlights importance of responsibility and friendship.
- Fosters love for reading through relatable school experiences.
The Big Picture
- Junie B. learns leadership as a lunch helper.
- Promotes taking initiative and helping others.
- Great for discussions on school responsibilities.
- Encourages independence and community roles.
Diversity & Representation
- Showcases diverse characters throughout Junie B.'s school experience.
- Promotes inclusion and understanding across different backgrounds.
- Encourages positive interactions among varied social groups.
Book in series
#12
Age
6-8
Length
77 pages
Text complexity
developing
Character Compass
Discussion points
Why do you think Junie B. enjoys being the boss of lunch?
How does Junie B. help solve problems in the lunchroom?
Can you describe a time when you helped someone at school like Junie B. does?
How do the other students react to Junie B.'s leadership? What does this tell you about teamwork?
If you were in Junie B.'s shoes, what would you do differently in the lunchroom?
What are some qualities that make a good leader which Junie B. displays?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own school lunch experiences, then ask your child about theirs. This personal connection can pave the way for deeper discussions about Junie B.'s adventures.
Encourage your child to relate the book to their own experiences by asking them to think of times when they have taken on responsibilities, just like Junie B.
Praise your child's insights and connect them to real-life values, such as kindness and leadership, showing how the scenarios in the book are applicable to everyday situations.
Discuss the reactions of other characters to Junie B.'s actions. This can help your child understand different perspectives and the impact of our actions on others.
After discussing the book, engage in a role-play activity where your child can act out being 'Boss of Lunch'. This can make the conversation interactive and fun, reinforcing the themes discussed.
What parents love
Great for building confidence in first-time school-goers.
Funny yet teaches important social skills.
Relatable for kids, perfect for family reading nights.
Encourages responsibility with a light-hearted approach.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Junie B. takes on the role of a lunch helper, teaching her how to handle tasks and assist in the cafeteria.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being reliable and managing small responsibilities at home or school.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Junie B. encounters various problems in her role which she needs to solve, such as helping her friends and dealing with lunchroom rules.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and develop solutions to everyday challenges they might face.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Junie B. learns to understand and share the feelings of her classmates in the cafeteria, fostering a sense of community.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to be considerate and recognize emotions in others, helping them build better relationships.
Example Lesson: Self-confidence
Explanation: By navigating new responsibilities, Junie B. grows more confident in her abilities.
Real-World Application: This demonstrates to children that stepping out of their comfort zones can lead to personal growth and self-assurance.
Example Lesson: The value of hard work
Explanation: Junie B. shows pride and satisfaction from her hard work as a lunch helper, understanding that her effort has a positive impact.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that hard work is rewarding and contributes positively to those around them.