Don't Get Caught Wearing the Lunch Lady's Hairnet

Don't Get Caught #2

by Todd Strasser

Kyle, Dusty, and Wilson have had enough with the lunch monitors and their strict rules and so decide to show them who really rules the school through a clever scheme designed to expose the truth. Original.

128 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2001

About the author

Todd Strasser is an American author of more than 130 novels for adults, young-adults, and middle graders.

His most recent novel is Summer of '69

Booklist review: "Drugs, sex, and rock 'n' roll, those hallmarks of the summer of 1969, are all here, but there's so much more. In this loosely autobiographical novel, Strasser introduces 18-year-old Lucas, who is bright and sensitive but also a screw up…. The picture painted of the Woodstock music festival shows the dark side of peace and love, and the prevalence of drugs is on almost every page…The best part of the book, however, is the one that transcends eras: Lucas' introspection as he contemplates his place in the world."

Kirkus review: "Strasser perfectly captures the golden haze of youth and life on the cusp of adulthood. Readers fascinated with this time period will find much to enjoy... Vietnam, Woodstock, road trips, and acid trips: a sweetly bittersweet, surprising, even melancholy bildungsroman set against a world in flux. Groovy, man."

His most recent young adult novel is Price of Duty:
2018 New York Public Library Best Book for Teens
“Compact and suspenseful, the novel raises important questions about war.” – Kirkus 
“This thought-provoking book is both welcome and imperative.” – Booklist * (starred review).
"Rather than attempting to sway the reader, it offers awareness." - VOYA 
“Tightly wound and compelling ... appropriate for an older middle school and high school audience. VERDICT: Highly recommended.” – School Library Journal 

Bio: Todd was born in New York City. When he was young his parents moved to Roslyn Heights, New York (Long Island). Todd went to the I.U. Willets Elementary school and then attended the Wheatley School for junior high and high school. His best subjects were math and science. He also liked to read, but he had trouble with spelling and grammar, and didn't do well in English. His favorite sports were tennis, skiing and fishing. Todd went to college at New York University for a few years, and then dropped out. He lived on a commune, then lived in Europe where he was a street musician.

All the while, Todd wrote songs and poems and lots of letters to his friends back home. Finally he decided to try being a writer. He returned to the United States and went to Beloit College where he studied literature and writing.

After college, Todd worked at the Middletown Times Herald-Record newspaper in Middletown, New York, and later at Compton Advertising in New York City. In 1978, Todd sold his first novel, Angel Dust Blues. He used the money to start the Dr. Wing Tip Shoo fortune cookie company. For the next 12 years, Todd sold more fortune cookies than books.

Todd now divides his time between writing books and speaking at schools and conferences. When he's at home, he likes to spend time with his children and dog, Cooper. He still likes to play tennis and ski, but his favorite new sport is surfing.

Reviews

[Chance Hansen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish I could say it was o.k. but there are issues that I just can't ignore.
Believe it or not I found a plot hole.
(If they weren't allowed to talk because it was wasting time for eating why didn't they just shorten the lunch bell that rang when the meal began and when it ended or shorten it all together?)
Growing up Todd has been one of my favorite authors, I found him as one of the out of the box types. But man I found some issues with this book.
I can take all the issues and boil it down to one word. (Respect)
First off the kids have no respect for the principal. BUT then again not many from the school really do. (Probably because the principal doesn't have Leadership Skill or Respect for himself.)
I think the use of Big Bertha, Wanda the Widebody, and Lunch Monitors from H.E.L.L was WAY over used. It goes past a gimmick joke and into disrespect territory.
(Nitpick 1) I don't mind the nickname Monkey Breath but calling him Mr. Chump a few more time's through the book wouldn't have hurt but it does get worse at one point the trio are saying how stupid Chump is. I love the undercover clip in the book but the motivation is the one part that does bother me.
The last issue in this book that I would like to cover is that in this book children have the same authority/right an adult has.


SPOILER MOMENT!!!

If I were the lunch ladies I would have left to if I was being humiliated and disrespected by some fifth graders for doing my job.

[Michael27 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is both intersting and funnny at the same time. All the characters are unique and funny in their own way. The three main characters have a saying "we go where no rule has gone before". it may not make sense now but if you read the book you will understand it. One reason why I won't forget this book is because the main characters created a plan to try and get rid of the evil lunch ladies. To get rid of the lunch ladies they had to wear a rediculous disguise. (If you want to find out what the disguise was and if they succeeded, read the book to find out) You'll enjoy this book!!!!

[Excalibur Snape · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a face paced laugh out loud middle grade read.
Recommend reading it in one setting.
Once you begin you won't be able to stop.
I just loved this book the only thing it was messing was pictures which would have made this book perfect.
I loved the characters moto.
The villain in this book is the perfect villain you can't help loving him.
Just like you can't help loving the heros.
This book is just a really fun read.
I will diffently read it again.