MMGM (11/27/2017): The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

Sorry about not posting last week—I had an unusually bad headache. Luckily, this week, I have a recommendation for The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies.

Here's the publisher's description:

For a full hour, he poured lemonade. The world is a thirsty place, he thought as he nearly emptied his fourth pitcher of the day. And I am the Lemonade King.

Fourth-grader Evan Treski is people-smart. He’s good at talking with people, even grownups. His younger sister, Jessie, on the other hand, is math-smart, but not especially good with people. So when the siblings’ lemonade stand war begins, there really is no telling who will win—or even if their fight will ever end. Brimming with savvy marketing tips for making money at any business, definitions of business terms, charts, diagrams, and even math problems, this fresh, funny, emotionally charged novel subtly explores how arguments can escalate beyond anyone’s intent.

Despite what the publisher's description says, this book is not excessively or glaringly educational and will be enjoyed by anyone of any age, from young children to MG readers to adults. Evan and Jessie are great characters with different personalities, and readers will be able to empathize with their conflict (involving both of them being in the same class, as Jessie is skipping a grade). Both Evan and Jessie's tactics to win their “war” (a competition involving profit from their lemonade stands) are interesting to read about (and, yes, educational to very young readers). As both characters make friends and money, accidentally upset each other, and feel guilt, stress, and more, readers will want to know what happens next. Best of all, when readers finish this book, they can read the four additional sequels! All in all, The Lemonade War is a great read for young kids, old kids, and adults alike!