Seven Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break if You Want to Survive the Cafeteria (Review #2), written by John Grandits, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Student Reviewer: Jacob L.
Summary: In Seven Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break if You Want to Survive the Cafeteria, Kyle has to buy lunch from the cafeteria for the first time. When Ginny hears this on the school bus, she gives him a list of seven rules he has to follow when he buys lunch, which makes Kyle nervous. Once Kyle tries to buy lunch, he accidentally breaks all of the rules, making him have a run in with a bully, a scary lunch lady, and scary 6th graders. When the lunch lady makes him sit with the 6th graders, including the bully, the bully turns out to be nice, and Kyle tells the 6th graders facts about bugs. He has a fun time at lunch, and when he goes on the bus home, he tells Ginny that the 8th rule is to never follow Ginny’s list of 7 rules.

Straight Talk for Librarians: Emerging readers will enjoy the over the top acrylic, colored pencil, and digital illustrations. This book could be read by teachers on the first day of school to try and ease younger students’ fears about the cafeteria and older students. The bully’s redemption arc shows readers that they don’t have to be afraid of the “older kids”, and Kyle’s overall enjoyment of lunch despite breaking the rules tells them they shouldn’t be nervous about buying lunch. Readers will also enjoy the funny ending when Kyle says the 8th rule. Students who are interested in bugs will especially enjoy this story, as bugs are often used to represent the other students in the class. Kyle even shares bug facts towards the end of the story, which will further interest these readers. If not read out loud to class, students could read the book on their own. Due to the somewhat high word count, it may be challenging for some emerging readers. It will help them practice their reading skills.