The Lemonade Club [Hardcover]

Patricia Polacco (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Everyone loves Miss Wichelman?s fifth-grade class?especially best friends Traci and Marilyn. That?s where they learn that when life hands you lemons, make lemonade! They are having a great year until Traci begins to notice some changes in Marilyn. She?s losing weight, and seems tired all the time. She has leukemia?and a tough road of chemotherapy ahead. It is not only Traci and Miss Wichelman who stand up for her, but in a surprising and unexpected turn, the whole fifth-grade class, who figures out a way to say we?re with you.

In true Polacco fashion, this book turns lemons into lemonade and celebrates amazing life itself.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Patricia Polacco lives in Union City, Michigan.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Philomel (September 20, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399245405
• ISBN-13: 978-0399245404
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #146,717 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #43 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Illness
  • #83 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Health > Diseases

More About the Author

Born Patricia Ann Barber in Lansing, Michigan, to parents of Russian and Ukrainian descent on one side and Irish on the other, Patricia Polacco grew up in both California and Michigan. Her school year was spent in Oakland, California, and summers in her beloved Michigan. She describes her family members as marvelous storytellers. "My fondest memories are of sitting around a stove or open fire, eating apples and popping corn while listening to the old ones tell glorious stories about their homeland and the past. We are tenacious traditionalists and sentimentalists.... With each retelling our stories gain a little more Umph!"Studying in the United States and Australia, Patricia Polacco has earned an M.F.A. and a Ph. D. in art history, specializing in Russian and Greek painting, and iconographic history. She is a museum consultant on the restoration of icons. As a participant in many citizen exchange programs for writers and illustrators, Patricia Polacco has traveled extensively in Russia as well as other former Soviet republics. She continues to support programs that encourage Russo-American friendships and understanding. She is also deeply involved in inner-city projects here in the U.S. that promote the peaceful resolution of conflict and encourage art and literacy programs.The mother of a grown son and a daughter, Patricia Polacco currently resides in Michigan, where she has a glorious old farm that was built during the time of Lincoln.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Lemonade CLub, October 25, 2007

By 

Paulette Carles (Bay Area, California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Lemonade Club (Hardcover)

This was a very sweet, age appropriate book for my daughter. She and I really enjoyed it. My daughter smiled and laughed while I choked back my tears. This books captures life with cancer very well.

My daughter is 5 years old, in kindergarten, and in treatment for leukemia. She was bald when she started school and it was a Big Deal when she gathered enough confidence to attend school without her head scarf. She really enjoys reading books about experiences she has gone through during treatment. It makes her feel less alone. I am grateful to Patricia Polacco for writing this book.

It was wonderful to read a book that truly "got it" when it comes to feeling about cancer, teasing, children, friends and making the best of sour lemons.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Lemonade Club, November 5, 2007

By 

Reathea Woodburn - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Lemonade Club (Hardcover)

I wait for every new book that Ms. Polacco writes and I'm never disappointed. I loved the 'almost' sad ending but she came through at the end. She's my favorite!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Book Review: The Lemonade Club, December 10, 2007

By 

T. Jonker - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Lemonade Club (Hardcover)

Patricia Polacco's books consistently occupy an unusual spot in the world of children's literature. Typically more mature than your average picture book yet less elaborate than your average chapter book, her stories tend to find their audience with the sensitive and worldly youngster. Based on a true story, "The Lemonade Club" continues in this tradition, offering up doses of sadness and friendship.

Friends Marilyn and Traci share a close friendship with their teacher, Miss Wichelman. She is supportive, always encouraging her students to make the most out of life's lemons. When one of the girls is diagnosed with cancer, the three friends - The Lemonade Club - will need each other like never before.

A tear-jerker to be sure, the emotion is brought to life in fine fashion through Polacco's wonderful pencil and marker illustrations. A story that will find it's audience and be enjoyed for some time to come.