The Lemonade War Book 1 by Jacqueline Davies – BlackRaven Book Review

While reading The Lemonade War Book 1 by Jacqueline Davies I did not think I would write it up here. It came out in the early 2000s. How could it still be relevant? Wouldn’t everyone have already read it? Therefore, I didn’t make arrangements to post. Then I was sitting at my work desk (a few days after finishing) and it had been mixing itself inside me, like mixing bugs and lemonade. Or: it was not sitting right. Why not talk about an almost 25 year old book? Okay, maybe I wasn’t saying 5 of 5, but there was something about it that I could not let go.

And when I researched publisher comments, I figured it out. It is actually a good book for two types of readers: the reluctant reader and the one who likes math. Then there was something else that I was wondering about. Was the character Jessie autistic? It would explain her lack of understanding feelings and people, but then again being a second grader would too. But since she is so smart she skips third grade to start fourth with her older brother would probably mean she was.

The publisher’s descriptions will help you understand the theme/subject.

Here is a clever blend of humor and math fun. As it captures the one-of-a-kind bond between brother and sister, this poignant novel subtly explores how arguments can escalate beyond anyone’s intent. And includes mathematical calculations and tips for running a successful lemonade stand.

And for the second book, School Library Journal said: “Short chapters, realistic dialogue and social dynamics, humor, and suspense will keep even reluctant readers turning pages to the satisfying conclusion.” But it works for the first book as well.

While maybe things were a little slow at the beginning, and maybe I didn’t think the ending was 100% believable, I had to stop and think, “What would 8 to 10-year-old me think?” She’d probably love it. It had something that was grabbing my attention, speaking to kid me. There were two parts adult me liked. The first is a police officer has to stop Evan from selling lemonade in the town center as he does not have a permit. Which is a good point as it is usually illegal to have one without a permit. Two: Something happened at the end so both Jessie and Evan are held accountable for their actions for something they were responsible for. Overall, I give this a strong 2.5 to 3. I did not LOVE it, but once I let it be savored, like a cool glass of lemonade it finally hit the spot (I just wanted some tea to go with that lemonade).