This graphic novel version of The Lemonade War is faithful to the original with clever visual additions.
The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies, illustrated by Karen de la Vega. Clarion, 2025. 208 pages.
- Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10
- Recommended For: Ages 8-12
A TALE OF TWO LEMONADE STANDS
It’s summertime, but Evan Treski is bummed. School is starting soon, meaning new teachers and old friends, but one unwelcome change: his little sister Jessie has just been double-promoted, meaning she’ll be in his class. What’s worse, she’s obviously smarter than he, and everybody will know it. The news sours his initial enthusiasm over starting a lemonade stand, and her offers to help only ignite further hostility. Sibling rivalry escalates to opening rival lemonade stands. Then a daring bet: whoever sells $100 worth of lemonade first within a five-day window will take all the other’s earnings.
Jessie is book-smart, but Evan is people-smart. He has friends and communication skills, while Jessie has math skills and business know-how. They take turns outsmarting each other as succeeding chapters explain, and illustrate, such principles as partnership, profit margin, franchising, value added, division of labor, and more. The “war” involves some dirty tricks, but the siblings learn valuable lessons (not just about business), accept their individual strengths and weaknesses, and discover their bond is tighter than temporary rivalries.
HOW THE GRAPHIC NOVEL COMPARES
My one complaint about this graphic novel version is that Evan and his friends look more like sixth graders than fourth graders. Otherwise, the sunny panels include lots of detail and a nice balance of text and illustration. Also some clever touches, like the characters’ thoughts represented by whimsical figures acting as conscience or quandary.
Considerations: none
Bottom Line: A fun, readable version of a modern-day classic.
Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader
- Review: See our review of the original Lemonade War!
- Review: A boy takes over an apple orchard and struggles to make a profit in The Year Money Grew on Trees.
- Review: Young entrepreneurs can find inspiration and practical tips in Better Than a Lemonade Stand, Bee Fearless, and You’re the Boss.
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