#3 in The Lemonade War Series
The Candy Smash
2013 by
on Goodreads (2,018)
What’s inside...
In The Candy Smash, Jessie and Evan Treski find themselves navigating the confusing and unpredictable world of emotions after their class receives a new student named Scott. There are also conflicting feelings towards Valentine's Day in their class. Evan is frustrated because no one seems to respect it as a holiday for boys, and Jessie is upset by the chaotic emotions the holiday inspires in her classmates. During this time, Jessie starts to experience her feelings and becomes a poet.
Why read this book
- Engages young readers with lively, relatable school experiences.
- Enhances understanding of friendships and emotional growth.
- Encourages empathy and understanding through character interactions.
- Supports development of problem-solving skills.
The Big Picture
- Navigates complex emotions and social dynamics.
- Encourages critical thinking about actions’ impacts.
- Great tool for discussions on rumors and empathy.
- Fosters understanding and communication in relationships.
Diversity & Representation
- Explores diverse family structures and sibling dynamics.
- Addresses themes of friendship across different backgrounds.
- Incorporates characters with varied cultural identities.
Book in series
#3
Age
9-10
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
What do you think Jessie and Evan learned about friendship and secrets in 'The Candy Smash'?
How would you handle a situation where a friend shared a secret with you that made you uncomfortable?
What are some ways the characters show creativity in solving their problems?
Why do you think understanding different perspectives is important in resolving conflicts?
If you were a character in the book, what would you have done differently in the poetry project?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and its characters, which helps them connect more deeply with the book’s themes. Ask them to relate the situations in the book to their own life experiences, fostering empathy and problem-solving skills. Highlight the importance of diverse perspectives and teamwork by discussing different characters' viewpoints and actions. Use the book as a tool to discuss the power and consequences of words, both spoken and written.
What parents love
Perfect for helping kids understand complex emotions.
Engaging plot with valuable life lessons.
My child loved the mystery and friendship themes!
Encourages empathy and kindness in young readers.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'The Candy Smash', characters explore the themes of love and friendship, encouraging readers to understand and empathize with others' feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being more considerate and understanding of their peers' emotions and situations, fostering a nurturing environment in school and at home.
Example Lesson: Importance of Communication
Explanation: The book highlights the significance of effective communication as characters express their feelings and resolve misunderstandings.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to openly communicate their thoughts and feelings which is crucial for healthy relationships and conflict resolution in real life.
Example Lesson: Respect for Privacy
Explanation: Characters learn to respect each other's personal space and secrets throughout the story, emphasizing the importance of privacy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and respect others' privacy, understanding that some matters are private and should be treated with care and discretion.
Example Lesson: Creative Expression
Explanation: The protagonist's interest in journalism and writing in 'The Candy Smash' showcases the value of expressing oneself creatively.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and engage in creative activities like writing, drawing, or music, helping them express their thoughts and feelings constructively.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The book displays how characters deal with challenges and puzzles, teaching problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be transferred to a child’s everyday life as it equips them with the ability to think critically and solve problems efficiently in school or while interacting with others.