Shelf To Table
Food Spotlight: School Lunch
The perfect food pairing for this novel is a classic school lunch. School lunches can take so many forms — from sandwiches and soups to even a bit of sushi. The story dives into the everyday lives of teachers, and we all know that most teachers pack their own meals to survive those long days. A school lunch feels like the perfect match — practical, familiar, and full of variety, just like the cast of characters in this book.
Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu
The Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu takes readers behind the scenes of Baldwin High, where the sudden death of a beloved substitute teacher sparks a year of chaos, secrets, and unexpected connections. Told through the perspectives of teachers and staff, this witty and heartfelt novel offers a candid look at the messy, meaningful world of education—filled with humor, heartbreak, and the friendships that keep everything running.
Page To Plate
Food Featured In The Book
Chips with queso or salsa are frequently mentioned throughout the story, as the teachers often gather at their favorite Mexican restaurant, La Casita Bonita, for a variety of events, from retirement parties to holiday celebrations.
Character Cravings
Although the novel features multiple main characters, a perfect neutral food that connects them all is barbecue—an iconic staple of Houston, Texas. The city’s culinary identity is rooted in Tex-Mex and BBQ traditions, where smoky brisket, sizzling fajitas, and slow-cooked meats take center stage. Barbecue feels like a unifying dish for every character, embodying the rich, bold flavors of the city they all call home.
Book Club Bite
Muffins, cookies, and coffee would make the perfect snack board for a book club discussion of this novel. It fits the theme perfectly — after all, most teacher meetings run on little pick-me-ups like these. Simple, sweet, and easy to share.
“That there were more books in the world than he would ever have time to read was equal parts comforting and troubling.” –Jennifer Mathieu