The League of Picky Eaters
on Goodreads (138)
What’s inside...
A hilarious and heartwarming debut about picky eating, finding your people, and standing proud. In Muffuletta, being good at Eating is the key to success. French fries and grilled cheese? Beginner food! Haggis and truffles? Delicacies! After failing a school Eating test, picky eater Minerva is placed in the lowest eating track of all: Remedial Eating to Change Habits. RETCH class is full of kids with weird personalities and even weirder food preferences. And to make matters worse, Minerva's best friends in the Gifted and Gourmet class no longer speak to her. But soon Minerva finds she is not alone in her pickiness, and forms friendships with her new classmates. And together, they find a way to stand up for themselves--picky and proud!
Age
8-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the characters in the book were picky eaters?
How did the characters feel when they tried new foods?
What is one food you don’t like and why? Can you think of a fun way to try it again?
How did the characters' opinions about food change by the end of the book?
If you could create a dish for the League of Picky Eaters, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Listen actively to your child’s responses, showing interest and asking follow-up questions to deepen the conversation.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing any similarities between their own food preferences and those depicted in the book.
Encourage empathy by discussing how the characters might have felt trying new foods, and relate those feelings to real-life scenarios.
Use the book as an opportunity to plan a fun meal or snack time, where you and your child can create a dish from the book or experiment with disliked foods in a new recipe.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story shows how each character has unique dietary preferences, highlighting the importance of respecting and understanding individual differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate differences among their peers and offer support instead of judgment, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters in the book face and overcome various challenges related to food, teaching children the value of adaptability and finding creative solutions.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these skills in their daily lives by being flexible and innovative when they encounter obstacles, enhancing their ability to cope with change.
Example Lesson: Importance of Trying New Things
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters are encouraged to try new foods, which is a metaphor for stepping out of comfort zones and growing from new experiences.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be open to new experiences, whether trying a new activity, or making a new friend, thus broadening their horizons and fostering personal growth.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The characters work together to solve the mystery of why they are picky eaters, demonstrating how teamwork can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working collaboratively, which can be applied in school projects, sports, and other group activities, promoting a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.