#2 in The Lemonade War Series
The Lemonade Crime
2011 by
on Goodreads (4,989)
What’s inside...
In The Lemonade Crime, Jessie and Evan Treski are in a battle with bully and classmate Scott Spencer after he stole $208 from their lemonade stand. As the trial proceeds, truth and justice collide as the kids decide to take the law into their hands.
Why read this book
- Engaging tale of justice and fairness.
- Encourages ethical thinking and integrity.
- Stimulates discussions about right and wrong.
- Accessible law-themed narrative for young readers.
The Big Picture
- Explores themes of fairness and seeking truth
- Develops critical thinking and moral reasoning
- Discusses consequences of actions and honesty
- Ideal for discussions on personal responsibility
Diversity & Representation
- Explores moral decisions, emphasizing diverse ethical perspectives.
- Characters portray a broad spectrum of socio-economic backgrounds.
- Encourages empathy, understanding through culturally diverse characters.
Book in series
#2
Age
8-10
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
What do you think about the way Jessie handled the situation with Evan? Could there be other ways to solve the problem?
How did the trial held by the kids in the book affect their relationships? What does this tell us about fairness and justice?
Why do you think it was important for Jessie to prove that Evan was innocent? Have you ever stood up for someone?
What did you learn about money and honesty from the characters' experiences with the lemonade stand?
How would you feel if you were in Evan's position and how would you handle the situation differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' decisions and how they might react in similar situations.
Discuss the themes of justice and fairness. Ask your child how they understand these concepts and examples they’ve seen in their own lives.
Use examples from the book to talk about the consequences of our actions and the importance of honesty.
Highlight the sibling relationship between Jessie and Evan, and invite your child to share stories about their bonds with siblings or friends.
Reinforce the message that it's okay to make mistakes and it's important to learn from them, as seen through the characters in the book.
What parents love
Intriguing story, teaches justice and integrity.
Engages kids with relatable school setting and issues.
Promotes discussion on fairness, perfect for family talk.
Child-friendly courtroom scenario, keeps it light and educational.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Justice and Fairness
Explanation: In 'The Lemonade Crime,' siblings Jessie and Evan explore the concept of justice as they set up a courtroom in their backyard to determine if a classmate stole money from Evan. The story delves into the complexities of proving someone's guilt or innocence.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by understanding the importance of fairness and the need for evidence before making judgments about others in school or in their social circles.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Accountability
Explanation: Throughout the trial, characters learn about taking responsibility for their actions and the consequences that come with them. This is especially seen when the accused classmate faces the allegations and the reactions from peers.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in recognizing the importance of owning up to their actions and understanding how their actions can affect others, fostering a sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book prompts readers to consider multiple perspectives, especially through the conflicts between Jessie and Evan, and how they perceive their classmate's actions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to empathize with others and understand different sides of a story, which is crucial in developing social skills and in resolving conflicts amicably in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: The Role of Evidence in Problem-Solving
Explanation: The story emphasizes the need for concrete evidence when drawing conclusions, as seen in the makeshift courtroom scenario where evidence plays a crucial role in determining the outcome.
Real-World Application: This underscores the importance of critical thinking and analytical skills in children, teaching them to seek factual evidence in real-life situations, such as academic projects or personal disputes.
Example Lesson: The Impact of Peer Influence
Explanation: The courtroom setting created by the children shows how peers can influence decisions and viewpoints, highlighting the dynamics of peer pressure and influence.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the role of peer influence in their decisions and the importance of thinking independently and making informed choices.