Graphic NovelsThe Dodgeball Chronicles (Knights of the Lunch Table Series #1) written and illustrated by Frank Cammuso
Bibliographic Information:
Cammuso, F. (2008). Knights of the lunch table: The dodgeball chronicles. New York: Scholastic, Inc.
Summary:
New to Camelot Middle School, all Artie wants to do is blend in, but instead he angers Principal Dagger, makes trouble with the school's biggest bullies, and opens a locker that no one else can open, all on the first day of school. The names are familiar Arthur, Morgan, Gwendolyn, Percival, even Merlyn, but the story of King Arthur has taken a twist in this graphic novel (comic book style). Artie and his friends must beat the group of bullies known as "The Horde" at their best game, dodgeball, or be suspended from school and lose their favorite teacher, Mr. Merlyn. What are Artie and his buddies going to do?
Lead Comments:
I thought reading a graphic novel would be difficult, but this flows easily and the pictures really enhance this fun twist on a tale of Camelot and King Arthur. The protagonists are likable and the antagonists are detestable! Instead of the sword, Excalibur, their is #001-XCL, a mysterious locker that no one in the whole school can open. Principal Dagger gives it to Artie thinking to cause him trouble, but its mysteries work for Artie not against him. I really enjoyed this comic book style novel and found myself wanting to read the second book in the series!
Cammuso, F. (2008). Knights of the lunch table: The dodgeball chronicles. New York: Scholastic, Inc.
Summary:
New to Camelot Middle School, all Artie wants to do is blend in, but instead he angers Principal Dagger, makes trouble with the school's biggest bullies, and opens a locker that no one else can open, all on the first day of school. The names are familiar Arthur, Morgan, Gwendolyn, Percival, even Merlyn, but the story of King Arthur has taken a twist in this graphic novel (comic book style). Artie and his friends must beat the group of bullies known as "The Horde" at their best game, dodgeball, or be suspended from school and lose their favorite teacher, Mr. Merlyn. What are Artie and his buddies going to do?
Lead Comments:
I thought reading a graphic novel would be difficult, but this flows easily and the pictures really enhance this fun twist on a tale of Camelot and King Arthur. The protagonists are likable and the antagonists are detestable! Instead of the sword, Excalibur, their is #001-XCL, a mysterious locker that no one in the whole school can open. Principal Dagger gives it to Artie thinking to cause him trouble, but its mysteries work for Artie not against him. I really enjoyed this comic book style novel and found myself wanting to read the second book in the series!
Reviews:
From School Library Journal: (Excerpt)
Arthurian legend gets an update for young readers in this outstanding graphic novel. During his first day of school 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. The appealing illustrations are full of color, action, and life.-Beth Gallego, Los Angeles Public Library, North Hollywood. Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Esevier Inc. All rights reserved. (Retrieved November 29, 2009, from Amazon.com)
From Booklist: (Excerpt)
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...But kids unfamiliar with Arthur will still like this tongue-in-cheek take of the school rules and games that can dominate a kid's life. ...Cammuso's text is witty and his cartoons energetic; his pictures speak as clearly as his words. --Francisca Goldsmith (Retrieved November 29, 2009, from Amazon.com)
Teacher Tools & Library Leads:
Meant for young readers, this book could be used by teachers of even older students to introduce the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. Great for discussing political rulers and their various styles of ruling. Arthur and his unique style can be researched more fully and other Arthurian books, poems, and even movies can be introduced when teaching this time period.
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