LUNCH FROM HOME

A racially diverse group of kids must navigate a tumultuous school lunch.

Students sit down at tables amid piles of colorful lunchboxes. Despite the various lunch sack designs, only sandwiches are packed with the exception of one student. As Preeti excitedly digs into their favorite foods of dhokla cake topped with vagar, with mango pickles on the side, a classmate replies that their food “smells stinky!” Even though Preeti pushes back, they later ask their mother for a sandwich for lunch tomorrow. A similar pattern is observed over several days when Mina is interrupted as she eats her gimbap or when Niki unpacks her bagel with lox, cream cheese, capers, and tomato. Ray also receives backlash when he eats his tortilla filled with cut-up hot dog, a scrambled egg, and melted cheese packed by his abuela. Even though each child defends their food choices, they all succumb to peer pressure and eat sandwiches instead. Li fills each page with bold color combinations and detailed portraits and backdrops that make each spotlighted lunch delectable. The concise narration reveals that the children all eventually tire of their daily sandwiches and decide to reclaim their favorite foods with pride. An afterword reveals that the four students are based on the childhood experiences of professional chefs. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Bold colors and flavors serve as a reminder to embrace your heritage and all its culinary glory.