Too Cool for School

Pizza and Taco #4

by Stephen Shaskan

New backpacks? Check! Besties Pizza and Taco are ready to head back to school, but are they ready to meet the cool new kid?

B.L.T. wears sunglasses--even in school! He's not even worried about being late to class. SO COOL! I mean, "whatever." Pizza and Taco quickly pick up on what's cool--and what's not--by watching B.L.T.'s every move. Will that spell t-r-o-u-b-l-e for Pizza and Taco with their teacher, Mr. Apple? 

This hilarious young graphic novel--with chapters--will tickle the funny bones of kids ages 5-8 and bolster their reading confidence. Young graphic chapter books are a great step on the way to graphic novels and longer chapter books.

Readers will devour all the books in the
Pizza and Who's the Best?
Pizza and Best Party Ever!
Pizza and Super-Awesome Comic!
Pizza and Too Cool For School
Pizza and Rock Out!

Genres: Graphic Novels, Childrens, Humor, Food, Picture Books, Juvenile, Fiction

72 pages, Hardcover

Published June 28, 2022

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy did this bring back grade school memories! The new 'cool' kid who shakes up the status quo! I seem to remember girls not being as affected by this; they just did not seem to be that into 'ranking' like boys were (and are). When BLT shows up P/T have to decide what side of the 'cool' line they are on. Lots of fun!

[Amy D.]

This author has made the news in Minnesota because he was scheduled to attend nine elementary schools in one day, and the district (school board or administration - it's not too clear) cancelled with 18 hours notice. The PTA/PTOs that paid to book him are now out the cancellation fee per contract, even though it wasn't their decision to cancel. Therefore, the author partnered with the local library and still hosted an event after school hours for local kids, and it looks like it was well attended. Also, the weekend prior, he was at a book-signing/fundraising event to support local immigrants at a wonderful children's book store. So now on my radar.

So ... I had to see what the controversy is with these books. I did not find the controversy in this book. It has a good message about being yourself, not pretending to be someone you aren't just to impress others. The drawings are cute, and I can see why kids would be interested in the characters. Plus, of course, I can imagine kids getting a kick out of the characters being little tacos, pizza slices, hamburgers, and this one introduced the new kid, BLT.

I realize this review is more about why I read the book than my thoughts on the book. However, I like to remind people that when they ban books or prevent authors from attending previously scheduled school events under mysterious circumstances, it drives others to read the book(s)! I'm guessing with the publicity that has now extended beyond the particular district, more parents and kids will find the Pizza and Taco series and fall in love with reading.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: Pizza! Pizza! Pizza! Wait up!

Premise/plot: Pizza and Taco are back for their fourth adventure. In this new graphic novel for young readers, Pizza and Taco are heading off to school. But both are struggling with this notion of "coolness." Pizza has a new backpack with his favorite, favorite TV character on it. But once he's at school among his classmates, IS THAT CHARACTER actually actually cool???? Or is that television show for babies? The theme of coolness continues throughout. It seems to be contagious among the class. But does being caught up in "being cool" keep you from having fun, living life, and being true to yourself?

My thoughts: I loved the second and third book of this series. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED them. I didn't love this fourth book as much. But I still think the series is a fun and appealing.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think everyone can relate to this book. This book is another one of my favorites in this series. Just thinking about it makes me laugh! Were you one of the cool kids in school or not? Did you know a cool kid? How did you feel about them? This book is about being cool and well, are the cool kids really cool or not?

It’s the first day of school and Pizza is excited!! He has the Freddy the Fire Truck backpack with Super Siren sounds which he feels will make him the coolest kid at school. Whoops, that’s wrong. Since Taco is his friend, Taco believes Pizza’s backpack will make them BOTH the coolest kids at school.

There’s excitement on the playground before school and ha, Pizza thinks the other kids heard about his backpack and they’re all excited about it. I love this. Isn’t that how kids feel? Honestly, the besties find out there is a new kid at school, a cool kid named B.L.T. these initials get Pizza going as he wants some initials too but…….not appropriate for Pizza. As the friends meet the new student, Cheeseburger joins in as they discuss Pizza’s new backpack. Wow, lots of emotions here as the friends are confused over what is cool and what is not.

Awed by the new student and his “coolness” they become like sheep and follow him throughout the day being “cool”. I liked how Pizza and Taco tried to change their image and be cool and how they struggled to maintain it. At the end of the day, they realized things about themselves and B.L.T., that put things into perspective.

A super cute book with some great life lessons in it. I love all the different text fonts used throughout the book and the illustrations were fantastic. The story is one that most individuals can relate to, on one level or another. Great puns and a book that will leave you smiling. 5+ stars

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this humorous graphic novel for young readers, best friends Pizza and Taco learn that being cool isn't quite as satisfying as they thought it was. The two of them are excited for the first day of a new school year, and Pizza even has a new backpack. But B.L.T., a new classmate who seems just too cool for words with his initials for a name and his dark shades, pokes fun at the backpack. Wanting to be as cool as B.L.T., Pizza and Taco arrive late for class, hang out on the playground during recess instead of playing games, and are assigned detention. It quickly becomes clear that being cool has its price, and then when they learn the truth about B.L.T.'s coolness, they decide to revert back to their usual behavior. There's a very big difference in what B.L.T. looks like beneath those shades. It's worth acknowledging how the author/illustrator presents an important lesson so deftly alongside laughs and a relatable plot and characters from various fast foods. This is the fourth title in the popular series.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pizza and Taco think they are the coolest kids at school - until they arrive, and there's a new kid! B.L.T. seems really cool, but he says stuff Pizza and Taco like to do is for babies, but they think he's cool and want to be with him. Being cool with BLT is boring, and hanging with him gets them in trouble.

The food characters are the best part of the story. So funny to have everyone be a food, even the teacher. I liked the message about it's not always cool to be cool and the twist at the end was great. Shaskan's illustrations are clever, the faces on the Taco and Pizza are so simple, yet expressive. I bet readers will try to draw some of the characters. Highly recommended.

cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com

[Carley Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers a humorous outlook on starting school and making new friends. One of the stories in the Pizza and Taco series, these two friends encounter a new friend at school, B.L.T. The comic book style of this book makes it easy to follow for beginner readers as the illustrations are the focus of the pages. Young readers will enjoy the personification of their favorite foods. The story opens the door for discussions on trying to fit in as a new student and trying to come across as "cool" in school.

[Keely Burdine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The layout of the story being like a comic book was intriguing for me, and I am sure would be for many students. The captions go along with each illustration, making it easy to follow along to. The illustrations did not stray from the story, and it followed along nicely. It included easy wording and still some challenging words to enhance learning. I think the story was super entertaining and would be something that keeps reader's interest. It provides time for readers to guess what is going to happen next and there are many activities you could include with the story using the characters.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Pizza and Taco series. Pizza and Taco are best friends whose definition of cool seems to be influenced by a new kid at school BLT until they discover BLT may have a few secrets of his own. This is a five-chapter graphic novel easily accessible for young readers. Simple illustrations and minimal text will appeal to readers who can be led to other books in the series after they enjoy this one.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graphic Novel
Fourth in the series
Pizza and Taco are excited to start a new school year. They meet the new kid - BLT - who is super cool. Pizza tries to mimic everything BLT does and Taco reluctantly goes along. All three end up in detention and almost miss the TV show they had been waiting for. An amusing ending when BLT's big brother picks him up and shares more about who he really is. The characters are amusing and the message comes through.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too Cool for School is the 4th book in the Pizza and Taco series.
Pizza and Taco are best friends that want to be cool. They meet the new kid in school, B.L.T, who is the definition of cool but they soon find out that being cool isn't all it's cracked up to be. Pizza and Taco learn that being yourself is actually cool and you shouldn't change to fit in. This was a fun quick read. I haven't read the other books in the series yet but I look forward to reading them!

[Kevin Longstreth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a light hearted book that knows not too take itself too seriously, but still holding an intriguing story about a new kid in school with two students trying their best to impress him. The story is very simple with little depth as it is just about two friends who want to be cool trying to impress the new kid. However, the light hearted nature of the book really helps the story and the illustrations are simplistic they add just enough to make this is a great read for the younger audience.

[Stacey Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pizza and Taco meet the new kid on the first day back to school and they try to be cool so the new kid, who is cool, will like them. They hide their true feelings to fit in. BLT, the new kid gets them into trouble. They get detention. They don't play during recess. But they are cool so it's worth it. Until they realize they have more in common than they thought when they meet BLT's older brother.
Sometimes being cool isn't cool.

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun book to read with my 6- and 1/2-year-old bonus son!
Pizza and Taco go to school and try to be cool like the new kid - BLT. But is being cool okay when it isn't being true to yourself? P and T find out, and there's a twist to go along with it!
We liked this volume, and are excited to get #5! Thanks for the smiles!

[Isabella Michelini · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a fun, cool book that I think a lot of kids would like because who doesn't like pizza and tacos with sunglasses on!? This book is a humorous graphic novel whose main audience is young readers. Best friends pizza and taco want to be "cool" and later come to the realization that being "cool" isn't all what they thought it was.

[Molly Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very cute for a younger age group. I loved the overall message of this story and thought it was very good for children to read to understand that it is okay to be yourself. The illustrations in this book are creative and simple, just like the names of all of the characters, like the piece of pizza is literally named pizza.

[Paige Grope · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a very fun and colorful book for young readers. The personification characters add humor and fun to the reading. Children will love this book for the relatable plot and will connect with the characters. This book will for sure get students laughing. I personally love this book because of its funny plot and its characters.

[Madeline Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Pizza and Taco: Too Cool for School" is a delightful and humorous graphic novel for kids. Its vibrant illustrations and witty dialogue make it a hit! The quirky friendship and school antics of Pizza and Taco keep young readers engaged and laughing. A great pick for early readers looking to start their comic book journey.

[Christan Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking through the pages of this adorable book, I couldn't help but smile. My jaw dropped, reminding me of my own school days, as I followed Pizza and Taco on their adventures. Full of personality, Shaskan's drawings accentuate the endearing tale of acceptance and friendship. Unexpected friendships can bring joy and are definitely worth reading for anyone who needs a pick-me-up.

[Matt Biery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pizza and Taco are an awesome duo! They have so many different adventures together and this one might be my favorite. The story is a graphic novel that features five chapters of how pizza and taco will fit in at school. The story is very funny and I would read it to students around 2nd grade since it is a graphic novel.

[Emily Behon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book a lot because it is a chapter book for students, however it is still easier for young children to read. Being able to read a chapter book increases student confidence, even if the book is still easier material. I also think this book has a very good theme of not bullying in school. This is a very relatable theme for the intended audience of the story.

[Brielle DeSaulles · Rating 3 out of 5]

With vibrant illustrations and humorous dialogue, this book follows the antics of two friends navigating the ups and downs of elementary school. Being full of charm and wit, this book celebrates differences and the power of teamwork. It's a sure hit for young readers who love books with laughs and heartwarming adventures.

[Kirsten Stelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is on my favorites list for sure. I found the playfulness and funny tone to be captivating, especially for kids. I also found it to be very relatable, as most children really want to fit in. The theme was heartwarming, as we found out that it is okay to be yourself. Making the characters yummy snacks was thoughtful for children. I found nothing bad about this picture book.

[Jessica Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taco & Pizza want to be just like the new cool kid in school, BLT. Soon, Taco & Pizza realize they have more in common with BLT than they thought. Super funny! Highly recommend for any child (~1st-3rd grade & reluctant readers). I can’t wait to read the others in the series.

[Sarah S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super-silly, which is to be expected when anthropomorphized foods are the title characters. Relatable for anyone who wants to be cool and wonders if they aren't, or who knows they aren't and doesn't care.
Taco is a true friend.
Pizza is learning.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pizza and Taco are looking forward to the season premiere of their favorite show after school, but when a new kid shows up who is too cool for school, things start to change. A good lesson that is more important to be yourself than to be cool. I liked the ending.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 7 year old nephew loves this series. This one is kind of funny, as pizza and taco desperately attempt to be like the cool new kid at school, called BLT. They end up wondering if cool is boring. So funny.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Making my way through this fun series

[Lisa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute back to school book for young kids & beginning readers

[Jessica Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 7 year old loves this book and this whole series.