The Hunger Heroes: Missed Meal Mayhem by Jarrett Lerner. Aladdin, 2021. 9781534462823
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4
Format: Graphic novel
Genre: Fantasy
What did you like about the book? Move over, Ant Man, here come superheroes who will swoop in to feed a kid who has missed a meal. Enter: Mr. Toots (a bean), Chip Ninja (“She’s 100% corn based!”), and Tammy, a sassy, strong singing tomato. And don’t forget Leonard, a shy, nervous piece of cheese. In short chapters, readers will see the Hunger Heroes respond to a “10-29” at Pinchkid Elementary – Jason has missed a meal and his energy level is “lower than low.” Heroics follow, and even the teacher learns something.
The easy to read hand lettering and the brightly colored digital cartoon art is very kid friendly. I especially like that the panels are not crowded, allowing newly independent readers to easily integrate the text and illustrations. The story is silly with a modest supply of gross-out humor. A fun title for readers who are reluctant to take on chapter books.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? For ages 5-8, especially newly independent readers who like silly humor.
Who should buy this book? Elementary school and public libraries
Where would you shelve it ? It is billed as “A graphic novel chapter book” – I think it’s a bit more graphic novel than chapter book, so I would shelve it in graphic novels.
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? No
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA
Date of review: November 12, 2021
Youth Services Book Review 
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