If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period

For Kirsten McKenna, the world is crumbling. Her parents are barely speaking to each other, and her best friend has come under the spell of the school’s queen bee, Brianna. Only Kirsten’s younger science-geek sister is on her side.

For Walker Jones, the goal is to survive at the new white private school his mom has sent him to because she thinks he’s going to screw up like his cousin. (Walk keeps telling her,“Don’t have to worry, Momma. Before I go bad I’ll let you know, send a Hallmark card ready-made for the occasion . ‘On the eve your son messes up.’”)

But Walk is a good kid. So is his new friend, Matteo, though no one knows why Matteo will do absolutely anything that hot blond Brianna asks of him.

Then Kirsten discovers something that shakes her and Walk to their cores. . . .
© Patricia Leeds
Gennifer Choldenko was the youngest in a family of four kids, where her nickname was “Snot-Nose.” Her quirky sense of humor made its debut at the dinner table when Gennifer was a very little kid. She is the author of seven children’s books, including Notes from a Liar and Her Dog, a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year; If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period; and Al Capone Shines My Shoes. View titles by Gennifer Choldenko
  • SELECTION | 2008
    ALSC Notable Children's Recordings

About

For Kirsten McKenna, the world is crumbling. Her parents are barely speaking to each other, and her best friend has come under the spell of the school’s queen bee, Brianna. Only Kirsten’s younger science-geek sister is on her side.

For Walker Jones, the goal is to survive at the new white private school his mom has sent him to because she thinks he’s going to screw up like his cousin. (Walk keeps telling her,“Don’t have to worry, Momma. Before I go bad I’ll let you know, send a Hallmark card ready-made for the occasion . ‘On the eve your son messes up.’”)

But Walk is a good kid. So is his new friend, Matteo, though no one knows why Matteo will do absolutely anything that hot blond Brianna asks of him.

Then Kirsten discovers something that shakes her and Walk to their cores. . . .

Author

© Patricia Leeds
Gennifer Choldenko was the youngest in a family of four kids, where her nickname was “Snot-Nose.” Her quirky sense of humor made its debut at the dinner table when Gennifer was a very little kid. She is the author of seven children’s books, including Notes from a Liar and Her Dog, a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year; If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period; and Al Capone Shines My Shoes. View titles by Gennifer Choldenko

Awards

  • SELECTION | 2008
    ALSC Notable Children's Recordings

Books for Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month this February, we are highlighting essential fiction and nonfiction for students, teachers, and parents to share and discuss this month and beyond. Join Penguin Random House Education in celebrating the contributions of Black authors and illustrators by exploring the titles here: BLACK HISTORY – ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TITLES Explore these

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