Lunch From Home is based on the various authors experiences growing up. Ray (Garcia), Preeti (Mistry), Mina (Park) and Niki (Russ Federman) bring their favorite lunches to school, and since they are not the
“usual sandwich” the other kids have, they are teased for their choices. Choices that truly represent them and their cultures. Of course, they go through the “I just want a sandwich for lunch” until they decide that they will not be ashamed and celebrate what makes them unique.
These four children would grow up to be the chefs Ray Garcia, Preeti Mistry, Mina Park, and Niki Russ Federman.
In the end, Joshua David Stein created a story that is everyone’s story. There is always something that has been brought for lunch that someone teases another student for (baloney sandwich, peanut butter and butter sandwich, even probably something as simple as yogurt). And, hopefully, that student learns it is okay to have that “oddness” because it makes them happy.
Jing Li, with their illustrations, brings everything alive with fun, bright illustrations. While not simplistic, they are simple and sweet and support the text/theme perfectly. They make the story familiar (most people have a cafeteria, even if its not exactly like this one) and new for some (such as my school was not very diverse, or you are just starting school).
And since it has been a while since I read this book, I am not sure if I remember correctly about there are extras about the people included and a little bit more fun times for your slightly older child (at least five and up). Of course, you can always you can read for yourself and help me remember!