Knights of the Lunch Table: No. 1 (The Dodgeball Chronicles) [Paperback]

Frank Cammuso (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

In this funny new series from Eisner Award nominee Frank Cammuso, the Arthurian legend is reborn--in a funny, average-joe, middle-school boy and his pals.

Artie King just wants to ease into life at Camelot Middle School. He’s got new lunch buddies, Percy and Wayne, and his science teacher, Mr. Merlyn, is pretty cool. But then there’s scary Principal Dagger and big bad Joe and The Horde, a bunch of brawny bullies who rule the school.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Starred Review. Grade 4-8–Arthurian legend gets an update for young readers in this outstanding graphic novel. During his first day at Camelot Middle School, Artie King opens a locker that no one has ever been able to open; gets a pop quiz from his science teacher, Mr. Merlyn; and offends both Principal Dagger and bully Joe Roman. Joe is the leader of the Horde, a gang that happens to be the local dodgeball (a game played here with the fervor of Texas football) champions. With his future at Camelot riding on a challenge match, Arthur calls on new friends Wayne and Percy, and gets a little assistance from that mysterious locker. References to other versions of Arthurian legend are sprinkled throughout (such as mentions of Camelot alumni Terry White and Tommy Mallory), but the funny, fast-paced tale of young Arthur's quest to defeat the bullies stands well on its own. The appealing illustrations are full of color, action, and life. Point new fans to one of the many retellings of the deeds of the Round Table while they wait for the second volume in the series.–Beth Gallego, Los Angeles Public Library, North Hollywood
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From Booklist

Artie King’s first day at his new middle school is terrible: his nasty older sister ensures he misses the bus; a couple of geeky kids are friendly, but the school bullies smell a new victim; and the principal is a horror who hands out detentions and dire warnings as she peers out from behind her horn-rimmed glasses. Artie has muddied the waters a bit himself by boasting that he’s a dodgeball pro—when he’s really not. Kids familiar with King Arthur legends will like the idea of a mysterious locker, seemingly rusted shut, that opens for Artie and the helpful stranger named Merlyn (who turns out to be Artie’s science teacher and guidance counselor). But kids unfamiliar with Arthur will still like this tongue-in-cheek take on the school rules and games that can dominate a kid’s life. Although the characters seem purposefully multiethnic, Cammuso’s text is witty and his cartoons energetic; his pictures speak as clearly as his words. A good start for the Knights of the Lunch Tale series. Grades 2-4. --Francisca Goldsmith

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: GRAPHIX (July 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 043990322X
• ISBN-13: 978-0439903226
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #49,990 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #29 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Bullies
  • #54 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Boys & Men > Fiction
  • #60 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Literature > Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror > Comics & Graphic Novels

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars mom of a reluctant reader, November 11, 2008

By 

mom of boys - See all my reviews

This review is from: Knights of the Lunch Table: No. 1 (The Dodgeball Chronicles) (Paperback)

i have a fourth grader, who is a good reader, but very reluctant to read. he got this at his school's book fair, loved it, and is now reading all the time. I hope this becomes a series!!! Frank Cammuso, if you're out there, please write more! I will then tell my son about King Arthur, and he may even be willing to read those wonderful classics.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hail to the King!!!!, June 14, 2008

By 

Rose Johnson (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Knights of the Lunch Table: No. 1 (The Dodgeball Chronicles) (Paperback)

"Knights of the Lunch Table," by Frank Cammuso is the Holy Grail of kids graphic novels! It's a wonderful tale about making friends, testing your limits, and overcoming challenges. The book is a retelling of King Arthur but with a twist that will make you laugh out loud. Kids will love it and adults will appreciate Cammuso's ingenious method of weaving modern day middle school with Arthurian legends.

A must for any child, even those reluctant readers. The storytelling is fast paced and the drawings are awesome!!!! If your kid enjoys adventure and humor, it's your quest to pick this up.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Book Review: Knights of the Lunch Table, April 5, 2009

By 

T. Jonker - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Knights of the Lunch Table: No. 1 (The Dodgeball Chronicles) (Paperback)

Pulling from King Arthur and Shakespeare, Knights of the Lunch Table is reference-heavy in title, plot, and dialog. The best part? Almost all of it simply serves to make a great story, no previous knowledge required. Although most of my King Arthur and Shakespeare expertise comes from episodes of Ducktales (this is a joke)(sort of), what I do know is that Knights of the Lunch Table is a well-executed, entertaining graphic novel for the upper-elementary/middle school crowd. It will find its way into the hands of students quickly and stay there.

Arthur (Artie) is a new student at Camelot Middle School. He's a pretty average kid, especially at sports. Camelot is mad about dodgeball - it's practically the official school game. Artie quickly makes a name for himself by opening the mysteriously unopenable locker 001XL. This catches the attention of the school bullies, a.k.a. the Horde, who are eager to keep their place as rulers of the school. To settle matters, Artie's friend Percy challenges the Horde to a winner take all dodgeball game. Only one problem remains: beating an undefeated team with a group of mediocre players.

The well-paced story and illustrations combine to give the book a nice flow that is easy to get into. The tension builds up to the climactic dodgeball showdown that will leave readers nothing less than pleased.

A graphic novel based on classic tales, yet is as hip and modern as you could ask for. Knights of the Lunch Table will be a quality addition to your graphic novel shelf and a series to keep your eye on.