If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period: Summary and book reviews of If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko, plus links to an excerpt from If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period and a biography of Gennifer Choldenko.

Two kids. Two lives. For Kirsten the world is crumbling. Her parents are barely speaking to one another and her best friend has come under the spell of the queen bee Brianna. Only Kirsten's younger science-geek sister is on her side. For Walker the goal is to survive the new very white private school his mom has sent him to because she thinks he's going to screw up like his cousin. "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. Two worlds collide in one compelling story. Then suddenly Kirsten discovers something that shakes them to their core... "You knew all along," Walk says. "No, I didn't." "You're lying. You found out and then you told the whole world..."

BookBrowse

The novel's focus is decidedly internal rather than external, and the reader lives inside twelve year old heads for the duration. But Choldenko's unwavering interior focus isn't gimmickry: it illuminates her young characters' imperfect knowledge of the world and of themselves, and reflects the self-absorption typical and probably necessary to their growth.  (Reviewed by Jo Perry).

Full Review (837 words).

Media Reviews

VOYA The novel touches on racism, eating disorders, and bullying, and one cannot help but feel that it would have been more memorable and compelling had Choldenko aged her characters a few years and let Kirsten tell the story in its entirety.   The Washington Post - Elizabeth Ward [Choldenko] has a spiky wit, an empathetic eye for kids' foibles and fears, an ear for their distinctive voices and an impressive range…While it treats issues of race, class and marital discord fearlessly, it's also one of the funniest they'll read this year.   Kirkus Reviews This will appeal to a wide range of middle-school readers and would make a great book-club or classroom discussion.   Publishers Weekly The issues raised are spot-on for this age group .... . (an) under-the-microscope examination of the often cruel, always dramatic dynamics of junior high.

Recent Reader Reviews

Rated of 5 by ~no name
If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period
Really interesting. I love this book; it had great detail, and I love how the characters were different and the "twist" in the "end".

Rated of 5 by GG
If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period
I love this book very much. There is a lot of drama!

Rated of 5 by bobbi heckel
if a tree falls at lunch period
I really like this book. The book had the details and I heard about what Kirstens life was like because my sister is the exact same way.

Rated of 5 by Emister
If a tree falls at lunch period
Well... It was an FANTASTIC book. Once I started reading this book I just couldn't put it down. it was full of what an average teenager might go through in life. I think that once people start reading this author's books that they will not be able...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Morgan
If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period
Well..I LOVED this book!!! i think it really teaches you a lesson on who your friends are and who they aren't! It's a great book for summer reading! Gennifer Choldenko is one of my favorite authors now! Her book really touched my heart! It made me...   Read More

Rated of 5 by BookObsessedGirly
GOOD
This book was great. I had to read it for a school assignment, but once i started it I couldn't put it down. I finish the book in two days and I think that Choldenko really captured how a preteen thinks and feels. I am an African American going to...   Read More

...3 More Reader Reviews

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