Module 13 – Knights of the Lunch Table by Frank Cammuso

1. Citation – Cammuso, Frank. Knights of the Lunch Table. Graphix/Scholastic (New York), 2008. (ISBN:9780439903226) 141p.
   
2. Summary – The Arthurian legend is transformed in this interesting account of a young boy who is trying to fit in at a new school. First in the series, Arthur and his newfound friends manage to open an impenetrable locker. The local bully gang does not like the "Knights" school wide fame, and challenge them to an all-out dodge ball battle. The book format is a graphic novel, and the illustrations help propel the story along.
   
3. Impressions of the Book – Very funny and an interesting take on the Arthur legend. I enjoyed this format much more than I thought I would, but still prefer a traditional novel. The characters are witty and funny, and the illustrations will keep you laughing as the protagonist struggles to make it in his new school.
   
4. Reviews – Courtesy of School Library Journal –Retrieved from Amazon.com on 5/4/10
   

   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
   

   
    

5. Use in a library setting – It would be interesting to pull this book for a comparison to the real Arthur legend, Sword in the Stone, or other variants of the Arthur story.