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“Raised in L.A.’s Koreatown by immigrant parents, Ben and his family have moved to Michigan, where fourth-grader Ben’s traditional Korean lunches generate unwanted attention…It isn’t until Ben sees his friend Emilio resist being bullied for his lunch (Mexican mole and rice) that Ben understands that he needs to stand up for himself and his culture for his life to return to normal. Colorful digital illustrations pepper the easy-to-read chapters of this series starter, which speaks to resilience and cultural pride.”

– Booklist

The Magic Lunch Box (Ben Lee #1)

Written by Hanna Kim
Illustrated by Emily Paik
Published by Capstone

Fourth-grader Ben Lee is anxious to make new friends at his new school in Michigan. But on his first day, things take a turn for the worse. The other kids act grossed out by the homemade kimbap in his lunch box.

Embarrassed, Ben makes an impulsive wish, and soon strange things start happening. A ham sandwich appears in his lunch box inside instead of Mom’s homemade mandoo. At first, Ben is thrilled. But soon the magical switcheroos start happening regularly and to other things—like Ben’s favorite Korean cartoon, Tobot V. And the special pencils his grandma sent from Korea.

How far will the lunchbox magic go? And how far will Ben go to set things right?

Don’t miss the rest of the series! Explore:

 

Primary ISBN: 9781669014409
Publication Date: August 2023
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 08 or older

Community Represented: ,

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (Michigan)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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