The Lemonade War

Sibling rivalry is all fun and games until someone goes too far. A brother and a sister who usually get along well receive news that fuels an argument which could possibly ruin their last days of summer. With less than a week left of their vacation Evan and Jessie embark in an all out war to see who could sell the most lemonade before the start of school. Evan, the older brother, is people smart but Jessie, the younger sister, is smart in math. Will having more customers take all or will a strategic calculation knock out the competition? The battle between cleverness and mathematical intelligence heats up with a vengeance and anything can happen. In the end cooperation and communication prevails. 

In this engaging novel, author Jacqueline Davies cleverly displays the one-of-a-kind bond between brother and sister. She introduces conflict and presents the idea of how an argument can escalate further than one intends. Davies also includes vocabulary and definitions as she opens each chapter with a business concept. Some chapters even include mathematical visuals or newspaper clippings. A realistic receipt one would get at a grocery store is also laid out which makes for good transfer of knowledge. Ultimately, this book is sure to grab the attention of young readers and keep them wanting more. 

Another important lesson that can be tailored from this book is one on respect. In fact it is in line with St. Leo's core values. Respect for others opinions and most importantly property. 

Reader Response Questions

1. Have you ever felt competitive with someone you are close to like a sibling or a good friend? How was the conflict resolved? 

2. Both Evan and Jessie were mean to one another. Have you ever done something out of anger that you wish you would not have?

3. What strategy would you use to sell lemonade if you had a lemonade stand?

Motivational Activities

1. The teacher can create groups that will research and take charge of a particular business aspect such as marketing, supplies needed, location, start up costs, strategy or curb appeal. The class can then prepare and execute a lemonade stand as a school fundraiser or a donation to a preferred charity.

2. The class can be broken up into two groups and each group can recreate an alternate ending including a skit to go along with it. 

Jacqueline Davies has been writing children's books for over a decade. She was inspired to write The Lemonade War by her own two sons as she watched them feud in the driveway one hot summer day. The book then formed the first of a four part series that includes The Lemonade Crime, The Candy Smash, and The Bell Bandit.

Davies, J. (2007). The lemonade war. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.