Lemons

by Melissa Savage

The search for Bigfoot gets juicy in this funny and touching story that’s perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo’s Flora & Ulysses and the movie Smallfoot!   Lemonade Liberty Witt’s mama always told When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But Lem can’t possibly make lemonade out of her new life in Willow Creek, California—the Bigfoot Capital of the World—where she’s forced to live with a grandfather she’s never met after her mother passes away.   Then she meets eleven-year-old Tobin Sky, the CEO of Bigfoot Detectives Inc., who is the sole Bigfoot investigator for their small town. After he invites Lem to be his assistant for the summer, they set out on an epic adventure to capture a shot of the elusive beast on film. But along the way, Lem and Tobin end up discovering more than they ever could have imagined. And Lem realizes that maybe she can make lemonade out of her new life after all."I love books about feisty girls and nerdy boys. Melissa Savage's astoundingly good debut novel is packed with humor, mystery, friendship, family secrets, and even Bigfoot! I think you'll love it, too."—Karen Cushman, Newbery Medalist for The Midwife's Apprentice

Genres: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Friendship, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook

311 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 2, 2017

Reviews

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lemonade Liberty Witt's mama always told her . . .
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade

God!!!!! How did I manage to read two death books in one day!!

This middle grade book went straight to my favorites list! And there's Bigfoot!! Yes!!

Lem doesn't want to leave her home when her mom dies but she has to go to the country to live with a grandfather she never knew existed. She's obviously sad and there are some heartbreaking moments in the book. I cried and I laughed because besides all of the heartache, Lem finds love in her grandfather, her new friend Tobin who runs the Bigfoot Detectives, Inc, and a wonderful cast of friends! And boy do they have fun and it's funny and sad, but maybe they just make it through with friendship and Bigfoot ❤️

This book made my day!! And sometimes everyone needs their day made. I always have the most wonderful feeling when I find one of those gems. Those you never expect!

Thank you, Melissa Savage, for Lemons!

Happy Reading!

Mel 🖤🐾🐺

[Annet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about a Twinkie-eating cryptid stalking the woods of Northern California. And the story of a little girl, Lemonade Liberty Witt, so sad because she lost her mum and has to go and live with her grandfather. Then she meets quirky eleven-year old Tobin Sky, CEO of Bigfoot Detectives Inc, the sole Bigfoot investigator in the small town, also a sad kid as he lost his father in Vietnam and is made fun of by the local kids.... Lemonade (Lem) and Tobin set out to investigate mysterious sightings of a big animal type creature. Bigfoot? And when you think you know the ending.... something unexpected happens.... Cute and so much fun!
Absolutely charming and lovely, sad and fun all in one. A loving book. Suitable for readers of all ages! I loved this book, and shed a tear here and there.... Absolutely and totally recommended!
More to follow, but really, readers of all ages, put this book on your list, you'll love it :-)

[✦BookishlyRichie✦ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS!!!



I finished this a couple of hours ago but I feel good saying that this has become one of my favorite books of the year and of all time! This was such a beautiful, hilarious, heartbreaking, and heartwarming read and I want anyone who is reading this review to go get yourself a copy now because this is a book every reader needs in their lives and on their shelves. I'll have a lot more to say in my Book Thoughts video for this but goodness was this an epic read.

It's full of adventure, mystery, Bigfoot, and amazingly written characters and takes place in the late 70s which I adored so much. I counted and I cried a good 6 times while reading this book so be prepared to have a box of tissues nearby when reading this because it will tug at you and leave you feeling good at the same time, if that makes sense. After finishing the last page I had a big smile on my face and tears in my eyes when I closed this book because it was THAT good and when a book can do that, it's a freaking masterpiece. Now enough about my thoughts, get yourself a copy and read this ASAP.

P.S. I loved "Lemons" so much I created a playlist for it: https://t.co/euKjDWLgX1

- Richard

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Loved everything about this story. It had it all. Mostly a wonderful friendship between Lemonade and Tobin. So many emotions while reading this. A must-read. Will for sure be reading this with my class next year.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Almost breathtaking. It's the best middle grade novel I've read in awhile.

I was so moved by this book, and I adored the time period of the setting (1970's). Young people will learn so much about the decade by subtle details, and I was nostalgic for some of the simpler times for being a child in the summer.

Although this is labeled as both a mystery and historical fiction, it's much more a story about grief and the definition of family. Lemonade has lost her mother and she's struggling to imagine a future different than what she'd experienced with her.

Suffering and survival are journeys that each character must endure in this book. I especially enjoyed meeting Charlie, Debbie and Ms. Dickerson.

This is so well-crafted and lovely. A great read for ages 10 and up.

[Ankur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! I laughed (a lot), I cried (a little), and had a very warm feeling in my heart when I finished. Very much in the Judy Blume style (specifically her books for younger readers). While this is a "kids" book, I'd say it's a must-read for all ages. I especially loved the friendship between Lemonade and Tobin, and after reading I'm craving some of Mrs. Dickerson's cookies.

[Carol (Reading Ladies) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!”

Ten year old Lemonade Liberty Witt believes her mom about making lemonade when life gets difficult. However, Lemon faces circumstances that test her lemonade-making abilities. After the death of her mother, she is sent to live in another town with a grandfather she’s never met. Her life gets better when she makes a new friend, Tobin Sky, who is CEO of Bigfoot Detectives, Inc. Yes, there have been suspected Bigfoot sightings in this wooded Northern California community! Lemon becomes Tobin’s assistant, but they discover something more important than Bigfoot.

Middle-Grade Love: If you follow my reviews, you know I love an occasional Middle-Grade read! Here are a few reasons I love MG Lit:

* often can be read in one sitting (or one day)
* they are great palate cleansers between heavier reads (or when you are in a reading slump)
* most always include a generous serving of hope
* relevant and meaningful issues presented in appropriate ways for young readers
* many of them build empathy and compassion
* many present opportunities for all children to see themselves in a story

I fall hard for quirky and spunky middle grade girls! Lemonade Liberty Witt is dealing with grief and an unexpected move, but she tries her best to make lemonade out of her circumstances. Her friendship with Tobin is realistic and mutually beneficial. She is aware of her angry outbursts (like lava), and willing to put in the effort to rebuild her life and give her grandfather a chance.

Children will be entertained with the amount of imagination in this story as Lemon and Tobin track Bigfoot! I love that the grandfather and a few kindhearted members of the community play along.

Themes: I love the thoughtful and poignant themes in Lemons.

* grief and loss
* new home and family
* friendship
* grandparent and granddaughter relationship
* supporting and understanding each other (we are ALL dealing with something!)
* expressions of anger (love the lava metaphor)
* the community support and involvement
* adult PTSD
* forgiveness
* trauma

The author’s background as a child and family therapist adds to the depth and the realistic exploration of themes in Lemons. Even though difficult issues are addressed, the thoughtful content is appropriate for middle grade readers.

*** Trigger Warning for loss of a parent.

I wish I were still teaching because I would use Lemons to explore friendship and appropriate expressions of anger. I think younger middle-grade readers interested in amateur detective work will find the inclusion of Bigfoot fun to think about! Lemons will be a perfect parent/child buddy read, too.

For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com

[Emma · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nicely written for what it is (formulaic middle grade grief book. Cue eye roll.) but gosh it was just. so. boring. Why did I make myself finish it instead of abandoning after the first 50 pages? I guess I thought maybe, just maybe, something interesting and unexpected might happen. Nope. I thought Lemonade was pretty well written as a preteen, except that she tended to freely share her feelings more often and more articulately than is believable for that age. One major beef: Why did all these adults, who presumably have some belief in Bigfoot, rely on 11 year olds to investigate possible sightings? And allow them to do it alone? I get this takes place in the 1970s before helicopter parenting was a thing, but seriously. You think there’s an unidentified, 9 foot, ape/man creature of unknown temperament roaming the woods and you send in the 11 year olds to find him?

[Megan Fritz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this aloud to my 9 yr old and we both really enjoyed it. The main character, Lemonade Liberty Witt, comes to Willow Creek, CA to live with her grandfather after her mother passes away. She struggles with grief, making friends and deciding where she wants to live long term. She has lots of adventures while working as an assistant for 10 yr old Tobin's Bigfoot Detectives Inc. Lemons takes place in the mid 1970s and has a fun, nostalgic feel to it but is still very relatable for today's kids. We laughed out loud at the antics these characters get up to. Highly recommend for middle grade readers

[Nirupa Mathew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of Seylah’s favorite reads this fall and she literally harassed me until I agreed to read it. She was absolutely right that I would love it. It was the sweetest youth fiction story I have read since Wonder!

[Bettendorf Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

After her mother dies in 1975, ten-year-old Lemonade must live with her grandfather in a small town famous for Bigfoot sightings and soon becomes friends with Tobin, a quirky Bigfoot investigator.
-Abbigail

[laura (bbliophile) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I tend to cry quite a lot while reading, but I really didn't expect a story about two kids searching for Bigfoot to make me tear up so many times.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends, this is an absolutely wonderful story. You all know that I consistently praise Middle Grade books for dealing so well with life lessons, and tough topics. Lemons is a shining example of exactly that. It was fitting, I think, that I was working my way through my own loss right around the time I was in the middle of reading this book. Middle Grade or not, this book really helped me sort things out. As Lemonade learned and grew, I worked my way through my issues right along with her. Which should tell you how wonderfully written Melissa Savage's book really is. Lemons is a wonderful story, no matter what age group you happen to fall in.

Lemonade Liberty Witt is the kind of character that I fall instantly in love with, every time. She's quirky, fiesty, and strong in a way that only young people who have suffered an unexpected loss can be. At the same time, she's every one of us no matter what our age. She's lost, confused, hurt, and feels like she may be drowning in her own sorrow. Tough on the outside, hurting on the inside, and just trying to make it all okay. I felt for her so deeply, and loved her all the more for it.

On the flip side is darling Tobin. Dealing with his own loss, in a completely different way, and just as quirky and original as Lemonade. When these two met, I just knew exciting things were going to happen. The fact that the backdrop of this story includes Bigfoot hunting? Well, that just made it all the more perfect. I wanted to believe in them just as much as Tobin did, and I wasn't at all disappointed.

Honestly though, I could gush about this book for paragraph upon paragraph. I loved the relationships between the characters, the unexpected friendships that were made, and the fact that everyone seemed to care so much for one another. I won't lie, I teared up more than a few times while reading this. It's tough not to when you're remembering the good times about people who have passed. Whether they are happy tears or sad tears, well, I'll let Lemonade school you on that.

I highly recommend this book to any young reader out there, and think it would make an excellent parent-child buddy read. Give it a shot! You might be pleasantly surprised at what you find.

[Phil J]

Comments after reading the first 33 pages

A plucky girl with a tragic past moves to a small town and makes friends with quirky people.

I've read this story before. As these books go, this one seems to be better put together than The Higher Power of Lucky, but with less engaging details. Although Bigfoot is used as a stronger metaphor, "dog scrotum" is a more interesting gimmick. Of course, it's nowhere near the level of Because of Winn-Dixie, The Great Gilly Hopkins, or Anne of Green Gables, so what's the point?

Why I abandoned it

I think the real reason I'm not finishing this book is Savage's voice and style. She writes like a nice adult trying to connect with kids by using a time-tested formula. I never for a second felt the reality of the book. It's an easy read, and I could finish it, but why bother?

[T.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move over, Nancy Drew. Lemonade Liberty Witt is on the case! I can't even say how much I loved this book! Whether you're 10, 16, 40, or 66, this book is going to charm you, delight you, move you, and keep you turning the pages with its sweet/tart blend of Goonies-style small town mystery, Judy Blume-style life lessons, and the most endearing, scrappy protagonist y'all will meet! Plus, who doesn't love a good Bigfoot story? Run to your neighborhood bookshop and pick this up right now (unless you're on my Christmas list - this might be the book everyone gets this December because I think everyone needs to read it)! One of the best books I've read all year! I 💛 LEMONS! 🍋

[Avid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Had me laughing all the way through with Lemonade and Tobin's dialogue. I won't spoil it but there was a couple of moments which brought tears to my eyes. One moment in particular seriously dared those tears to spill over and down my cheeks.

[Edshara · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I have to admit, the first couple of chapters, weren't really blowing me away. I was enjoying the story but I wasn't completely invested in it. Then I got to Chapter 14 and wow, I was blown away. Lemons, ended up being very good and the closer it got to the end, the sadder I got that it was almost over.

Lem, Tobin and Charlie were all likable, even with their quirks. I liked how Lem's relationships with Tobin and Charlie developed over time. Even though she was hesitant and perhaps even resistent, she still tried. The supporting characters were nicely written as well. I loved the sense of community in this small Californian town.

I am a big fan of good communication in books and this book was perfect! The willingness of all the characters to talk about their grief and heartache was so comforting. The characters were open and honest about what they were thinking and feeling and that was wonderful to see being encouraged, especially in the children. Their were so many great and encouraging quotes about mourning and grief, that I had to remind myself a few times that this was a library book and I wasn't allowed to highlight the passages. I'm so glad that authors, like Melissa Savage, are writing books that are meaningful and potentially helpful for middle grade readers (it's a bonus that this book is great for all ages).

While I understood the reasoning behind why Lem, hadn't previously met Charlie, it's a bit disappointing to think that her mom wouldn't try and reach out to him, especially once things started progressing negatively. I know this was probably a bit more realistic, however, it just seemed selfish, leaving Lem to go through all of that, mostly, on her own.

If you were a fan of A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, I think you'll love this one too. It has the same powerful message, even though its great on its own, and I would highly recommend it.

[booknuts_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are few authors who can tackle difficult topics with grace and humor, and do so appropriately for a middle-grade audience. Either the character’s tragedy becomes so heavy that it weighs down the book, or the humor takes over and dismisses the character’s pain. It is a fine line for an author to walk, but one that Melissa Savage does well.

Lemonade Liberty Witt is a delightfully feisty young girl struggling under the heavy burden of losing her mother and being uprooted to another part of the state. As she learns to cope with her loss, she is befriended by Tobin Sky, a painfully nerdy boy with an equally heavy burden. The two friends form Bigfoot Detectives Inc. and spend the summer chasing Bigfoot sightings in their small California town, Willow Creek, which is in fact, the Bigfoot capital of the world.

The characters were engaging and the setting wonderfully unique for a MG novel (1970s!). As I said, Savage balances the tragedy and humor masterfully. I spent my time either sniffling or chuckling while reading this book. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for Melissa Savage’s future works.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply loved this book. Lemonade Liberty Witt has been told all her life to make lemonade if life hands her lemons, but unfortunately she is handed a lot of unfortunate loss and heartache. This book navigates the murky waters of emotions while maintaining a lighthearted subplot of finding Bigfoot in the surrounding forest. It is a great story for all ages and has something for everyone from humor and wit to character development and triumph. Not to mention suspense and mystery. Sasquatch is a favorite of mine and now so is this book.

[Kathy McC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I substitute taught in a 5th grade classroom and had to read a chapter of this book aloud. Of course, I then had to find a copy and read the whole story. I am glad I did. If I were still teaching, I would also read this aloud to my class. What a wonderful realistic fiction story, with a bit of a fantasy twist.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It would be a perfect end of 4th grade, beginning of 5th grade read aloud. Strong Newbery Award contender.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, you have to admire the cover... just so pretty... love the colors and the kids.

Next, there are the characters, little Lemonade Liberty Witt who has come to live with her grandfather after her mother passed away and Tobin. Tobin is a darling... you can almost see him with his hat, he is 10 and the owner and operator of Tobin's Bigfoot Detectives Inc. The last character is Bigfoot.. who is big and hairy and hard to find.

The book is funny with a healthy helping of sadness. It has a heartwarming feel to it and teaches about hard life lessons. It was a quick read, clearly written and pretty straightforward. The book is age-appropriate for middle schoolers and adults alike who are dealing with loss. Afterall words of wisdom are not limited by age.

It is a 5 star read for sure.

Happy Reading!

[Karly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect book to get me out of my reading slump. A very sweet middle grade novel that unexpectedly made me cry. It was published in 2017 but I wish it had come out ten years earlier, because I too was a ten year old aspiring Bigfoot hunter having a hard summer and I feel like this was written just for that little girl. So good.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quirky, adorable, and full of Bigfoot fun & lots of heart.

[⭐Kathy Iacob⭐ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"În viață pierdem lucruri pe care le iubim. Dar asta ne ajută să creștem, ne ajută să fim mai puternici. Cel mai important este să nu îi uităm pe cei pe care îi iubim și care ne iubesc la rândul lor. Chiar dacă timpul care ne este dat împreună este limitat. Dacă nu facem asta, tristețea ne va copleși. "

O carte frumoasă despre prietenie, familie și despre puterea de a trece peste pierderea oamenilor dragi. O carte cu multe pasaje amuzante dar și presărată cu emoții și tristețe. Recomand!

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savage draws on her therapist background to offer a kid-friendly view of families navigating grief, trauma, and upheaval... Plus Bigfoot.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so sweet and quirky. I kept thinking, "Wow. This child's grief is being handled by the writer so delicately and appropriately," and in the author bio, it says she's a family and child therapist. You can tell! The writing is simple, and the story is nothing groundbreaking, but it's a lovely little story and I just loved the characters. It would make a great read for a kiddo who might have had some loss in the past and needs a read that can help them see their grief reflected in characters they will like. Might help a kiddo work some stuff out through the story.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Lemons so much when I first read it this summer with no kids around, that I chose it for my first read aloud of the year to my grade 5/6 class. Honestly, I didn't spend a lot of time analyzing why I loved it. It is touching, funny, quirky, and has characters that overcome significant hurdles with kindness—all elements for a great first read aloud.

Rereading it aloud to kids has confirmed my choice. They love it. They are rooting for Lem, are a little bit exasperated by Tobin, who has been compared to an annoying little brother, and understand why I love Mrs. Dickerson most of all.

Another review mentioned “sadness quicksand.” All of the main characters in this sweet story are grieving losses, and Lem, rightly overwhelmed by the earth-shattering loss of her young mother, understands that only gradually. I loved that realistic touch. In my life I've had to learn some lessons again and again. “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle,” figures prominently here. Lemons shows how one emerges from profound grief gradually, the dissipating fog revealing surprises all around. That she is not alone in grief in general, nor is she alone in her grief for her mom, eventually helps to pull Lem from the sadness quicksand.

At the beginning of the school year, I work hard to show students that their stories matter. Lemons illustrates this beautifully when Mrs. Dickerson shares with Lem stories of Lem’s mom’s childhood. “The wrinkles are so deep and twisty, each one is like a road map to all the different stories of her life.” Stories of those we grieve are precious gems, deserving of polishing and treasuring. Stories offer strength, hope, and comfort. Lemons is a story I’ll never forget

[Reading is my Escape · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bigfoot.
It's the very first thing I see when we pull into town.
-opening lines

This is a charming story about a feisty 9 year-old girl (Lemonade Liberty Witt) who is forced to uproot her life to live with her grandfather (who she never even met) when her mom passes away. Willow Creek is the Bigfoot Capital of the world and Lem's neighbor, 11-year old Tobin Sky, is the CEO of Bigfoot Detectives, Inc. Together, Lem and Tobin follow Bigfoot leads and try to capture him on film.

This is a realistic story set in the 1970's that deals with some pretty serious issues surrounding grief and loss. Lem is grieving the loss of her mother and Tobin is dealing with his father's disappearance after coming back from Vietnam. Tobin and Lem are cute together and their interactions bring humor to what is a pretty serious theme. The additional plot line with Tobin's father is a little overwhelming and his issues with PTSD may be hard for children to understand. The end of the book is a bit surprising considering how realistic the rest of the book is, but overall this is a touching story of frienship, loss, and dealing with grief.

Recommended to: Grades 4-6, fans of realistic fiction who can deal with a bit of sadness

[Ryn Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lemonade Witt has always been able to make lemonade out of the lemons in her life. Until now. Stuck in the woods with her austere old grandfather after her mother’s death, away from her friends and school, and her only social outlet a Bigfoot-obsessed boy named Tobin who wants her to be his assistant (not partner). Reluctantly caught up in the hunt for Bigfoot, Lem slowly begins to find her place among the residents of the town where her mother grew up.

Much like Dirt, Lemons disguises itself as a lighthearted children’s read, while in reality tackling several serious issues. All characters suffer significant loss, and Tobin appears to be borderline Aspergers. Bullying and multiple types of illness are touched upon as well; however, the novel’s overall tone is still relatively light. Characters are realistic, if not always likeable. Lemonade’s struggle, both with her mother’s death and the social choices she must make, feels realistic and her encounters with town residents who tell her stories of her mother add sweet touches to this tale. A surprise ending feels slightly forced and smacks of wish fulfillment, but young readers will enjoy the final scenes all the same.