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The Lunch Thief: A Story of Hunger, Homelessness and Friendship Paperback – Picture Book, May 26, 2020

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 36 ratings

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*Skipping Stones Honor Award*

Rafael is hungry―because someone stole his lunch.

The Lunch Thief can be used for curriculum centered on nonviolence and peacemaking.

Discussions might include:

  • How to turn an enemy into a friend
  • Nonviolent communication skills  • Looks can be deceiving
  • Wildfires and ecology
  • Disaster relief
  • Hunger in our own country
  • Homelessness
  • Food Insecurity
  • Kindness/Bullying

 

His mom had packed his lunch bag with two burritos, a bag of corn chips, some carrots, and an apple. Once a week she tucks in a slice of her special lemon pound cake. Rafael saw Kevin, a new kid in his class, sneak his lunch bag from underneath his desk and tuck it in his backpack. But how can he do something about the theft without picking a fight? Inspired by his mother's advice to “Use your mouth before your fists,” Rafael bides his time, but other kids' lunches are disappearing,too. On an errand with his mom, Rafael sees Kevin carrying a bundle of laundry into a motel room, and his mom tells him Kevin's family might be one of the families who lost their homes in the recent wildfires. Rafael rethinks his anger. The next day, instead of accusing Kevin, Rafael invites him to share his lunch, letting Kevin know he's been caught, but offering friendship as well as lunch. Color throughout
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"The boy in The Lunch Thief has a real problem. He is homeless and lunchless where others have plenty. This is a story of sharing and caring and Anne C. Bromley and illustrator Robert Casilla handle it with understanding and sympathy."
Eve Bunting, author of Fly Away Home, December, and many other children’s books

"Faced with a challenging situation when his lunch was stolen, Rafael listens to his instincts and follows his mother’s valuable advice that ‘fighting is for cowards’ and ‘use your mouth before your fists.’ The Lunch Thief, by Anne C. Bromley, is a moving and thoughtful real-life story of how Rafael chose not to respond impulsively, but took the time to think through his actions in order to resolve the problem in a nonjudgmental way. It’s a heartwarming book that helps children see the other side of every story."
Thom Ronk, Teaching Tolerance

"Hunger is hidden. Most of us don't see it, don't hear about it, don't think about it because it's such a shameful thing for those experiencing it. But hunger is growing in America, and its worst victims are the children who must go without food every day, or who are fed empty, sweet calories instead of a nutritious meal because those calories are cheaper than good food. The Lunch Thief brings us a gentle reminder of what hunger can drive even children to do―and of the kindness and mercy that must be our response."
Naomi Schalit, authorof the award-winning newspaper series “For I Was Hungry”

Book Description

An honest, bighearted story of food insecurity

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tilbury House Publishers (May 26, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0884488373
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0884488378
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.1 x 0.2 x 10.1 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 36 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
36 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2022
My son could hardly put it down and loved discussing so many aspects of the book with me. J.E.’s talent and obvious passion shines through in this book. Can’t wait for another one to be released!
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2011
Homeless and hungry, Kevin is a boy caught stealing lunches from his classmates. At first the kids are fighting mad, however by relying on words over fists, Rafael and his friends learn that Kevin is homeless because a wildfire destroyed his neighborhood. Together the class figures out ways to help Kevin with lunches as well as friendship. The "Teachers Take Note" section for this title on the Tilbury House Publishers website includes discussions and links on non-violent solutions as well as links to information on wildfires. I received this title complimentary from Tilbury House Publishers in exchange for an honest review, but the opinion is all mine.
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2022
Thank you. Item as described and fast shipment. Good addition to my classroom read alouds.
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2017
I read this book with my son over the course of a week. He couldn't wait until bedtime each night so he could find out what happened next. It is an engaging and fun story with a relatable main character, and a bevy of fantastic creatures to tickle your imaginations.
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2011
The Lunch Thief is a moving story told from the point of view of the main character, Rafael. Anne C. Bromley delicately presents a modern day situation that is prevalent in our society. Should be a "must read" for all children.
-Emma L. Price, author of Portias's Incredible Journey
Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2022
My daughter would not stop talking about this book. She probably has read it about 10 times since got it. She is hopeful for a sequel to be released, so she can keep the story going. The magic that is involved throughout the story is well done and the storyline keeps the reader engaged.
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2021
This book is an inspiration! As a second grade teacher, one of our important themes is caring for our community and understanding that everyone has a story that goes much deeper than we can see on the surface. I couldn't be more grateful for the thoughtful messages of "The Lunch Thief". It imparts so many wonderful lessons about caring for our community members, being of service to others, and never making assumptions. Each year when the class and I read this book, we have wonderful discussions. The students love not only the story, but the illustrations that really bring the characters and their emotions to life. I highly recommend "The Lunch Thief"!
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Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2017
Great story. Keeps you engaged the whole time. I read this to make sure it would be appropriate and enjoyed by my nieces and nephews. It was a joy to read as an adult as well as a kid. Would love more stories like this!!

Top reviews from other countries

Jessica R
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in Canada on September 1, 2017
Great story, order arrived on time