Tomatoes in My Lunchbox

Written by Costantia Manoli · Illustrated by Magdalena Mora

A new student feels out of place until a single friendship changes everything.

4.2 Goodreads · 364 ratings

32 pages· AD510L

$18.99Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

On her first day in a new country, a young girl feels isolated and misunderstood. Her name sounds different, and her lunch draws curious stares. But when a classmate reaches out, a simple act of friendship begins to bridge the gap between her old world and new. Can this connection help her find a sense of belonging? Discover how one friendship can transform loneliness into joy in this heartfelt tale of adaptation and acceptance.

From the publisher

A moving picture book from a debut author about the first day of school, layered with themes about the immigrant experience and the universal experience of feeling out of place.A child, newly arrived in another country, feels displaced, lonely, and a little scared on her first day of school. Her name doesn’t sound the way she’s used to hearing it. She knows she doesn’t fit in. And when she eats her whole tomato for lunch, she can feel her classmates observing her–and not quite understanding her. But sometimes all it takes is one friend, one connection, to bring two worlds together, and gradually the girl, her tomato, and her full name, start to feel at home with her new friends and community. This emotionally sweeping debut picture book by Costantia Manoli, with vibrant art by Magdalena Mora, artfully captures feelings of displacement and the joy that comes from forging new friendships.

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