Knights of the Lunch Table: The Dodgeball Chronicles

Cammuso, F. (2008). Knights of the lunch table: The dodgeball chronicles. New York: Graphix.

Book Summary

Another sort of retelling, The Dodgeball Chronicles are a modern day Arthurian tale. Cammuso’s graphic novel tells the story of Artie, a new kid at a new school. Artie is a typical young boy, except for the fact that he is terrible at dodgeball. Well, he was a typical boy until he opened a locker that hadn’t been opened in years, and by opening that locker, he gains access to a mysterious locker that knows just what he needs. Other Arthurian characters appear as well, such as Merlyn, the helpful and wise teacher, Percy, Artie’s new friend, and Gwen, a strong young girl who comes to Artie’s aide.

Impressions

This is a great graphic novel for elementary school readers. While the reader should have some knowledge about King Arthur and his story, it’s not necessary for readers to know all the details of the old stories. Cammuso is obviously having fun with his modern tale, especially since Artie’s “Excalibur” is an old locker and instead of jousting, there is an epic dodgeball match. Cammuso uses the names of the legend’s heros and villians but alters them to be more applicable to a modern audience.

While it is a graphic novel, there is still a fleshed out story, enhanced by the illustrations. The coloring is bright and vivid; Cammuso also adds details to his backgrounds, like the locker smiling and the renegade spider hiding in a corner.

Professional Review

Arthurian legend gets an update for young readers in this outstanding graphic novel. During his first day at Camelot Middle School, Artie King opens a locker that no one has ever been able to open; gets a pop quiz from his science teacher, Mr. Merlyn; and offends both Principal Dagger and bully Joe Roman. Joe is the leader of the Horde, a gang that happens to be the local dodgeball (a game played here with the fervor of Texas football) champions. With his future at Camelot riding on a challenge match, Arthur calls on new friends Wayne and Percy, and gets a little assistance from that mysterious locker. References to other versions of Arthurian legend are sprinkled throughout (such as mentions of Camelot alumni Terry White and Tommy Mallory), but the funny, fast-paced tale of young Arthurs quest to defeat the bullies stands well on its own. The appealing illustrations are full of color, action, and life. Point new fans to one of the many retellings of the deeds of the Round Table while they wait for the second volume in the series.

Gallego, B. (2008, July 1). School Library Journal. 

Library Uses

Many libraries have graphic novel collections for younger readers. Some also do programming centered around graphic novels. This would be a great example to use in any sort of program focused on graphics, ie., a create-your-own graphic novel program or an illustration program. It would also be a good book to add on any sort of readers’ advisory list that includes modern retellings of old tales.