Home in a Lunchbox
Through beautifully illustrated images that include panels, double-page spreads and limited text, readers will connect with the emotions of Jun, who is starting a new school after moving to America from Hong Kong. As Jun navigates the discomfort of a new place and a brand-new language, a peaceful pause occurs at lunchtime. When Jun opens her lunchbox, she gratefully takes in the aroma, taste and connection to her favorite foods, like bao, bok choy, and dumplings. Caring classmates reach out to Jun and friendship begins to blossom. This story conveys how a comforting taste of home can weave together the threads of school, home and culture. The end of the book provides a guide of the favorite foods Jun finds in her lunchbox, as well as a list of words in both English and Cantonese that Jun writes on her hand to help her communicate at her new school.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
This nearly wordless book tells the story of Jun’s first week at a new school—and a classmate who wants to be kind but doesn’t know how. Guide children to notice the red-haired girl who watches Jun and tries to connect, despite the language barrier. Talk about how we can be kind even without words.
Kindness is its own language—it can be a smile, a wave, or sharing a toy. Together, brainstorm simple ways to show kindness, especially to someone who might feel left out. Introduce a blank class book titled, “We Can Be Kind.” Over the next week or two, invite children to share kind acts they’ve done. Help them write or draw their stories and read the book aloud once everyone has contributed.
Before reading, adults can review the author’s note at the back to share background about Jun and the story. Talk with children about the foods in Jun’s lunchbox and encourage them to try saying Jun’s words aloud.
As you read, point out the different kinds of print in the illustrations. Cantonese characters show Jun’s connection to home. Scribbles and question marks in speech bubbles represent confusion or language differences. Notice the days of the week too—reminding children this all happened during Jun’s very first week at school.