Mo, Cherry. Home in a Lunchbox. Penguin Workshop, 2024. 978-0-593-66134-5. 34 p. $18.99. Grades PK-3.

Jun and her family recently emigrated from Hong Kong to America. She starts school knowing a few English words and phrases, but she finds it difficult to communicate with her peers and teachers. The book timeline spans about a week or so. The illustrations are mainly muted and gray, representing her fear and homesickness, until Jun opens her lunchbox and her surrounding area becomes bright and colorful. Her lunchbox contains her favorite Chinese foods which remind her of the comfort and love of home. Over the week, one of her classmates tries to connect with her, and by the end of the story a few more students share their lunches with Jun and she shares hers with them. This is a wonderful story illustrating the want to belong somewhere as well as the powerful of kindness.

THOUGHTS: This beautifully illustrated story is one of my students’ favorites. They love exploring the pictures and really felt for Jun. This reminded me of Danbi Leads the School Parade and will work well paired with it. Home in a Lunchbox is a worthy addition to all school libraries. 

Picture Book