• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

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Claire Eamer was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She worked as a radio copywriter, a reporter for newspapers and radio, a trade book editor and a university instructor. Currently, she spends much of her time writing fiction and non-fiction for children and young adults. After living in Whitehorse, Yukon, for many years, Claire now lives on Gabriola Island in British Columbia. She is fascinated by science and natural history, and by the habitats that surround her.

 

Claire Eamer's profile page

Sa Boothroyd's profile page

“There is a surprising amount of nourishment here.”

Kirkus Reviews, 03/12

“This is a very kid friendly book, informative, but in a fun way.”

She’s Got Books on Her Mind, 08/08/12

“The book’ witty, light tone, vibrant page layouts, and quirky illustrations are very attractive, making for a very appetizing read.”

Interesting Nonfiction for Inquisitive Kids, 03/12/14

“Fun-filled, fact-based . . . an entertaining combination of Science, Social Studies and Health topics.”

Canadian Teacher Magazine, 04/14

“This is a fantastic book to read if you like to know weird and fun facts.”—QFHSA (Quebec Federation of Home and School Associations) News, 03/12

“Elevating the mundane into the realm of fascinating science and pop history, this book also offers a successful formula for encouraging students to enjoy nonfiction texts.”

Booklist, 07/12

“This book would make an excellent resource for anyone studying food and nutrition from the primary grades right up to high school.”

Canadian Children’s Book News, Summer/12

“Questions are answered that I would never have thought to ask ... and that is the beauty of this book!”

Sal’s Fiction Addiction, 05/20/1

“A smart and savory feast sure to prompt discussion and debate among readers eight to twelve years.”

Foreword Reviews, 06/12

“Everyday foods become interesting subject matter, which should promote lively classroom discussions.”

Resource Links, 04/12

“Blend Eamer’s stories together gently with history and science, stir in artwork by Sa Boothroyd, serve it on an otherwise boring summer afternoon and this book becomes a treat kids will relish.”

The Book Worm, 06/11/12

“Would make an excellent resource for anyone studying food and nutrition from the primary grades right up to high school.”

Canadian Children’s Book News, 07/12

“In the atmosphere of health and nutrition and childhood obesity, this nonfiction look at the food in kids’ lunch boxes is presented humorously as well as factually.”

IRA Reading Today, 08/22/12

“A fun way for young readers to get to know more about the food they’re putting in their mouths for lunch every day.”

Young Food Explorers, 01/24/15

“With a kid-friendly structure and super-goofy illustrations, this is probably the best book on the history and science of familiar food to have been published for kids in recent years.”

School Library Journal, 06/14

“Provides a veritable fridge-load of trivia that so delights young readers.”

CM Reviews, 05/12

“Interesting just how many foods are found in a week’s worth, and how much history can be learned, and how many cultures are represented.”

SchoolLibraryJournal.com, 05/18/12

“As the introduction promises, this title includes a log of exciting history, amazing science, and some very strange stories.”

School Library Journal, 07/12

“Read sections of this book aloud during nonfiction reading units, use it as a mentor text to demonstrate the use of voice in nonfiction writing, or give it to curious students who enjoy history, science, and/or trivia!”

Elementary Books We Recommend, 11/25/12

“This type of heavily illustrated fact book is effective at holding the attention of young readers. Plus they’re useful for research.”

Unshelved, 05/25/12

“What a cool idea to look at the history, mystery and facts of food by looking at what’s in most people’s lunch boxes. . . . A great book for anyone who’s ever . . . well, eaten anything.

Sci/Why, 05/15/20

“The information is relevant and often scientific or historical, providing more curriculum connections than you could dare to dream of.”

The Very Best Books, 11/01/13

“School kids may never look at their lunches the same again. Neither will you.” 

Science, 12/12

“Makes learning the history and science of foods fun for kids and great for discussions.”

Christian Library Journal, 04/17/13

The World in Your Lunch Box: The Wacky History and Weird Science of Everyday Foods

Dividing her book into seven sections, one for each day of the week, author Claire Eamer looks at everyday foods and reveals fascinating facts about their history and the science behind them. She delves into stories about sandwiches, mac and cheese, hot dogs, pizza, peanut-butter-and-banana wraps and the perfect picnic food. She also looks at the science behind these foods, revealing interesting tidbits about how bananas ripen, how yeast and gluten make bread light and fluffy, how the fermentation process turns the colour of cacao beans to chocolate brown and so much more. Many jokes are included to keep kids turning the pages, and the illustrations are colourful and fun.

This book would make an excellent resource for anyone studying food and nutrition from the primary grades right up to high school. Although it’s written at a Grade 3 to 6 level, there are facts and trivia that would definitely interest younger and older students. It would help teachers provide fun and interesting food facts to enliven units being taught. It can also be picked up and browsed through without the need to read it from cover to cover. A section entitled Further Reading and a Selected Bibliography also provide students with other resources to turn to when working on essays or science projects.

The World in Your Lunch Box: The Wacky History and Weird Science of Everyday Foods

A week’s worth of lunches provides the fodder to delve into the rich history and astonishing science of the foods kids love. Author Claire Eamer looks into stories about sandwiches, mac and cheese, hot dogs, pizza, peanut-butter-and-banana wraps and so much more. Colourful illustrations and lots of jokes will keep kids turning the pages.