Tripping Over the Lunch Lady and Other School Stories
on Goodreads (410)
What’s inside...
An anthology of ten humorous short stories about life in school, written by well-known authors of children's books. A collection of ten stories, from such contributors as Avi, Angela Johnson, Sarah Weeks, and David Rice, recreates the horrors and hilarity of middle school, from missing the bus to opting for square dancing over an evil trampoline in gym class.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-12
Length
179 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite story in the book and why did it stand out to you?
How did the characters in the story handle their challenges at school? Can you relate to any of their experiences?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of their stories? Have you learned similar lessons in your own life?
How would you have reacted in the situations faced by the characters? Would you have done anything differently?
If you could give advice to one of the characters in the book, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by sharing your own favorite school story to create a comfortable conversational space. Actively listen and show interest in their perspectives, even if their views or interpretations differ from yours. Highlight the book’s themes and relate them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, which can help in making the connection stronger. Encourage empathy by discussing how the characters felt in various situations and ask how your child might feel in similar events. Lastly, celebrate the act of reading together by discussing what you both can read next.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The stories in 'Tripping Over the Lunch Lady and Other School Stories' often show characters facing unique challenges which encourages young readers to understand and empathize with diverse perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their classmates' different backgrounds and situations, fostering a more inclusive and supportive school environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Problem-Solving
Explanation: Several narratives highlight characters overcoming school-related obstacles, teaching kids resilience and the importance of creative problem-solving.
Real-World Application: By adapting these skills, children can navigate their own academic and social challenges more effectively.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: Many stories emphasize the importance of friendship and teamwork, showing how cooperation and support can help overcome difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of building strong interpersonal relationships and working together towards common goals.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: Characters in the book face consequences for dishonesty, illustrating the value of honesty and integrity.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to practice honesty in their daily interactions and understand its impact on trust and relationships.
Example Lesson: Accepting Differences
Explanation: The book showcases a range of characters from different backgrounds and with different abilities, promoting acceptance and inclusion.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children learn to embrace diversity in their community and be open to friendships with peers who may appear different from themselves.