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The Lemonade War



Last updated Friday, February 17, 2012

Author: Jacqueline Davies
Illustrator: Jacqueline Davies
Date of Publication: 2007
ISBN: 0618750436
Grade Level: 5th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Nov. 2011

Synopsis: From the School Library Journal:
Evan Treski and his younger sister, Jessie, get along well in many ways. They play together, and their natural talents are complementary. Jessie is a whiz in math and other school subjects, but feelings were her weakest subject. Evan is competent in the social arena, but he is not such a good student. Their relationship changes the summer between Evan's third and fourth grades, when a letter arrives announcing what the boy sees as total disaster for him. He and his bright, skipping-third-grade sister will be in the same class. Thus begins the Lemonade War over which child can make the most money during the last week before school. The story is highly readable and engaging, filled with real-life problems that relate to math, getting along with siblings and friends, dealing with pride, and determining right from wrong. It even gives a glimpse into the marketing world. Each chapter begins with a marketing term, defined, but implemented as only competing children can. The result is a funny, fresh, and plausible novel with likable characters, and is suitable for reluctant readers

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Do you have any brothers or sisters? If so, is there something you do better than them? Do they do something better than you?
•  Do you know what a lemonade stand is?
•  Have you ever started a business? Describe what business and how you started it.
•  Did you ever want to start a business to make money? What kind of businesses could kids start?
•  Have you ever been jealous of a brother, sister, or friend?
•  What do you do when you’re bored at home during a school break?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Do you think Evan has a reason to be mad at Jessie? Would you be angry if your younger sibling ended up in your class? Would you want to be in an older sibling’s class?
•  Have you ever ignored somebody you like? Why?
•  How do you feel when you are the one being mean to someone else? Do you feel as bad as the victim?
•  What kind of activities do you do to calm yourself down?

Craft ideas:
•  Make your own lemonade stand sign – but sell whatever you want!

Special activities:
•  Use the word search provided. Words can be found backwards and forwards, up and down, and diagonally. (The following will be printed out and available at all reading clubs: http://www.jacquelinedavies.net/downloads/wordsearch_lemonade.pdf)

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!