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The Lemonade Club
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.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published September 20, 2007
17 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Polacco
95 books1,061 followersPatricia Polacco is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator with around seventy beloved and award-winning books to her credit, including The Keeping Quilt, Pink and Say, The Blessing Cup, Chicken Sunday, and Thank You, Mr. Falker. She resides in Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
December 18, 2009
Another book by this author that made me cry! Her books drive me crazy because they’re so close to non-fiction. Because there are photos in the back of the book of three “characters” and the author, I so want to move this book to the non-fiction shelf, but I’ll refrain because I suspect some specifics in the story are probably based on truth but not non-fiction.
This might be my fourth favorite of the (now nine) Polacco books I’ve read so far. (I have another eight at home that I plan to read fairly soon, and will try to eventually read all of the books by this author/illustrator.)
I’m surprised by how much I liked this book because I am not a lemon into lemonade optimist. This is a story about two girls who are best friends in fifth grade (one is the daughter of the author) and their fifth grade teacher.
Cancer has a prominent place in the story. Much less central and just touched on are the issues of being overweight and of eating disorders.
This is a picture book but I don’t want to give away any spoilers. I’ll just say it’s an accounting of more than one good friendship and of a compassionate teacher.
The illustrations are interesting. I especially appreciated the wonderfully drawn facial expressions.
I would have loved this book as a child, but this is not for preschoolers; it’s for school aged children. Even though it’s a picture book, because of the subject matter and the people’s ages, I’d say it would be best for 8-11 year olds. Many of Polacco’s books, including this one, can work so well for tutoring older kids, and adults too, who are struggling with reading but don’t want to read “baby” books.
This is a lovely story and I’m very intrigued because all of her books are so interesting and are based on real people, often her own family and herself; I’d love to read a biography or autobiography about Patricia Polacco.
This might be my fourth favorite of the (now nine) Polacco books I’ve read so far. (I have another eight at home that I plan to read fairly soon, and will try to eventually read all of the books by this author/illustrator.)
I’m surprised by how much I liked this book because I am not a lemon into lemonade optimist. This is a story about two girls who are best friends in fifth grade (one is the daughter of the author) and their fifth grade teacher.
Cancer has a prominent place in the story. Much less central and just touched on are the issues of being overweight and of eating disorders.
This is a picture book but I don’t want to give away any spoilers. I’ll just say it’s an accounting of more than one good friendship and of a compassionate teacher.
The illustrations are interesting. I especially appreciated the wonderfully drawn facial expressions.
I would have loved this book as a child, but this is not for preschoolers; it’s for school aged children. Even though it’s a picture book, because of the subject matter and the people’s ages, I’d say it would be best for 8-11 year olds. Many of Polacco’s books, including this one, can work so well for tutoring older kids, and adults too, who are struggling with reading but don’t want to read “baby” books.
This is a lovely story and I’m very intrigued because all of her books are so interesting and are based on real people, often her own family and herself; I’d love to read a biography or autobiography about Patricia Polacco.
February 2, 2013
Patricia Polacco is truly one amazing author! She has written books like “Mr. Lincoln’s Way” which discusses racism, “Thank you Mr. Falker,” which discusses dyslexia and “Babushka’s Doll” which discusses patience and all of these books are truly inspirational! This time, Patricia Polacco has written a book about cancer called “The Lemonade Club” and it is about how Traci and her teacher Miss Wichelman try to help Marilyn through her cancer. “The Lemonade Club” is clearly one of Patricia Polacco’s most mesmerizing books ever created!
Oh man! Patricia Polacco can write about any issue and bring it to the audience in a sophisticated and engaging way! Patricia Polacco has most certainly done an excellent job at writing this book as it is both inspiring and dramatic at the same time! Never would I have thought that Patricia Polacco would talk about the concerns of cancer in such a realistic way and I always felt sorry for Marilyn as she had to go through so many struggles to get through her cancer and I loved the way that Traci and Miss Wichelman stayed by Marilyn’s side through her hour of need since it showed true friends Traci and Miss Wichelman really are. What really amazed me about this book was that Traci, Marilyn and Miss Wichelman were real life figures in Patricia Polacco’s life as Traci is her daughter and Marilyn was Traci’s best friend who was actually affected by cancer. I always loved the way that Patricia Polacco based her works on her real life and that is what is truly inspiring about her books! Patricia Polacco’s illustrations are just as beautiful and realistic in this book as ever before! Patricia Polacco makes her characters extremely realistic and my favorite images in this book were of Miss Wichelman herself as she is seen smiling throughout each image which greatly embraces her kind character.
Overall, “The Lemonade Club” is truly a remarkable book about dealing with cancer that many children who have also gone through cancer treatments will greatly appreciate! I would recommend this book to children ages five and up since the topic of cancer might frighten small children.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
Oh man! Patricia Polacco can write about any issue and bring it to the audience in a sophisticated and engaging way! Patricia Polacco has most certainly done an excellent job at writing this book as it is both inspiring and dramatic at the same time! Never would I have thought that Patricia Polacco would talk about the concerns of cancer in such a realistic way and I always felt sorry for Marilyn as she had to go through so many struggles to get through her cancer and I loved the way that Traci and Miss Wichelman stayed by Marilyn’s side through her hour of need since it showed true friends Traci and Miss Wichelman really are. What really amazed me about this book was that Traci, Marilyn and Miss Wichelman were real life figures in Patricia Polacco’s life as Traci is her daughter and Marilyn was Traci’s best friend who was actually affected by cancer. I always loved the way that Patricia Polacco based her works on her real life and that is what is truly inspiring about her books! Patricia Polacco’s illustrations are just as beautiful and realistic in this book as ever before! Patricia Polacco makes her characters extremely realistic and my favorite images in this book were of Miss Wichelman herself as she is seen smiling throughout each image which greatly embraces her kind character.
Overall, “The Lemonade Club” is truly a remarkable book about dealing with cancer that many children who have also gone through cancer treatments will greatly appreciate! I would recommend this book to children ages five and up since the topic of cancer might frighten small children.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
February 10, 2020
"Traci and Marilyn were best friends," begins this deeply moving tale from Patricia Polacco, whose prolific output has included many picture-books of an autobiographical nature. In this case, the story is of Polacco's own daughter, Traci, her best friend Marilyn, and their fifth-grade teacher, Miss Winchelman. When Marilyn, who has always been a little chubby, begins to lose weight, and is always tired, at first no one suspects the truth: that she has leukemia. But when it becomes known, and Traci and Miss Winchelman are unable to comfort her after a difficult session of chemotherapy, the entire class decide on a course of action to show their support...
The Lemonade Club - so named for the mini-support group formed by Traci, Marilyn and Miss Winchelman, who (as it turns out) has cancer herself, and whose customary saying about turning lemons into lemonade is an inspiration for her students - was another Polacco title that had me in tears. In fact, when I got to the page where Marilyn returns to school, and sees the extraordinary action her classmates have taken, to assure her that she isn't alone, I broke down sobbing. Yep - Patricia Polacco strikes again. This poignant story is made all the more amazing by the fact that it is true, and I appreciated the brief comments, at the end, and the photographs of Traci, Marilyn and Miss Winchelman. Highly recommended, to any young readers confronting a serious illness themselves, or in friends and family, or to anyone looking for a story about community support, and kids doing the right thing.
The Lemonade Club - so named for the mini-support group formed by Traci, Marilyn and Miss Winchelman, who (as it turns out) has cancer herself, and whose customary saying about turning lemons into lemonade is an inspiration for her students - was another Polacco title that had me in tears. In fact, when I got to the page where Marilyn returns to school, and sees the extraordinary action her classmates have taken, to assure her that she isn't alone, I broke down sobbing. Yep - Patricia Polacco strikes again. This poignant story is made all the more amazing by the fact that it is true, and I appreciated the brief comments, at the end, and the photographs of Traci, Marilyn and Miss Winchelman. Highly recommended, to any young readers confronting a serious illness themselves, or in friends and family, or to anyone looking for a story about community support, and kids doing the right thing.
June 6, 2012
Polacco has an almost magical ability to tell powerful, yet beautiful stories. In “The Lemonade Club,” Polacco is telling a true story that involves her daughter, Traci, Traci’s best friend, Marilyn, and their fifth grade teacher, Miss Wichelman.
Traci and Marilyn were best friends and did everything together---as best friends do. They were even in the same class and they both loved their teacher, Miss Wichelman. Miss Wichelman was loved because she encouraged her students to dream and to overcome challenges by making lemonade from lemons. This advice was put to the test when Marilyn was diagnosed with cancer (leukemia). Marilyn undergoes treatments, becomes weak, obtains bruises, loses her hair, and struggles with good and not so good days. Traci and Miss Wichelman visit her frequently while she recovers from her treatments…meanwhile; the entire fifth grade class plans a surprise for Marilyn’s first day back to school. I was already teary-eyed from the beginning of the book but the surprise released the floodgates and I cried happy tears. It also happens that Miss Wichelman has breast cancer, so she bonds with Marilyn and Traci in a meaningful way. The three become the Lemonade Club and when Miss Wichelman marries five years later, Marilyn and Traci wear bright lemon yellow gowns in the ceremony in celebration of not only the wedding but also in celebration of their recoveries and Miss Wichelman following her career dream.
Polacco includes actual photographs of The Lemonade Club ladies all grown up and it is remarkable to be able to connect the book characters with the real people.
Traci and Marilyn were best friends and did everything together---as best friends do. They were even in the same class and they both loved their teacher, Miss Wichelman. Miss Wichelman was loved because she encouraged her students to dream and to overcome challenges by making lemonade from lemons. This advice was put to the test when Marilyn was diagnosed with cancer (leukemia). Marilyn undergoes treatments, becomes weak, obtains bruises, loses her hair, and struggles with good and not so good days. Traci and Miss Wichelman visit her frequently while she recovers from her treatments…meanwhile; the entire fifth grade class plans a surprise for Marilyn’s first day back to school. I was already teary-eyed from the beginning of the book but the surprise released the floodgates and I cried happy tears. It also happens that Miss Wichelman has breast cancer, so she bonds with Marilyn and Traci in a meaningful way. The three become the Lemonade Club and when Miss Wichelman marries five years later, Marilyn and Traci wear bright lemon yellow gowns in the ceremony in celebration of not only the wedding but also in celebration of their recoveries and Miss Wichelman following her career dream.
Polacco includes actual photographs of The Lemonade Club ladies all grown up and it is remarkable to be able to connect the book characters with the real people.
April 24, 2009
Great book. I loved it. It's about a girl whose best friend and then her teacher battle cancer and beat it. They learn how to make lemons out of lemonade. Bright, vibrant colors. Looks like pictures drawn with pencils and paint. Words separated from pictures. Would definitely recommend it.
Polacco, P. (2007). The Lemonade Club. New York: Philomel Books.
Patricia Polacco writes another story based upon events in her life with the story of Traci and Marilyn, who are best friends in Ms. Wichelman’s classroom. However, Traci notices that Marilyn is losing weight and finds out that she has leukemia. When Marilyn beats the cancer and then their teacher gets breast cancer, the three of them work with the rest of the class to show how great life can be, even in the hard times, and make lemonade out of lemons. The artwork is typical of Polacco; her illustrations tend to be quite realistic, created with pencils and either oil pastels or paint. The colors are always bright and vibrant, and the illustrations are not confined by the limits of a page. I appreciate Patricia Polacco’s ability to teach young children about the difficulties of life in a kind, compassionate way. I would use this story as part of a unit on the hardships of life and how different people handle their illnesses and refuse to allow it to control them (Helen Keller would be another person to include in this unit, although I realize that at first she was a very angry little girl). I might use this book as a read-aloud, because some of the words are rather difficult, and then I would launch into a
discussion of illnesses and how to deal with them. It is great because it introduces a difficult theme to a young age group so that they will be better equipped to handle such issues when they arise in the future.
Polacco, P. (2007). The Lemonade Club. New York: Philomel Books.
Patricia Polacco writes another story based upon events in her life with the story of Traci and Marilyn, who are best friends in Ms. Wichelman’s classroom. However, Traci notices that Marilyn is losing weight and finds out that she has leukemia. When Marilyn beats the cancer and then their teacher gets breast cancer, the three of them work with the rest of the class to show how great life can be, even in the hard times, and make lemonade out of lemons. The artwork is typical of Polacco; her illustrations tend to be quite realistic, created with pencils and either oil pastels or paint. The colors are always bright and vibrant, and the illustrations are not confined by the limits of a page. I appreciate Patricia Polacco’s ability to teach young children about the difficulties of life in a kind, compassionate way. I would use this story as part of a unit on the hardships of life and how different people handle their illnesses and refuse to allow it to control them (Helen Keller would be another person to include in this unit, although I realize that at first she was a very angry little girl). I might use this book as a read-aloud, because some of the words are rather difficult, and then I would launch into a
discussion of illnesses and how to deal with them. It is great because it introduces a difficult theme to a young age group so that they will be better equipped to handle such issues when they arise in the future.
March 9, 2017
The Lemonade Club by Patricia Polacco is a heartfelt, tear jerking, and eye-opening book for children and adults of all ages. However, this realistic fiction book that would best be suited for students in grades 3-4 in order to provide meaningful learning and comprehending experiences. The Lemonade Club follows two girl best friends in the 5th grade named Traci and Marilyn. When changes occur in their lives and friendship as well as in the classroom, the students of the classroom come together to support one another. Additionally, their favorite teacher provides the students with surprising news. This book is full of "Aha Moments" and promotes students to follow along and comprehend the event that are happening to fully understand the ending.
I would use The Lemonade Club book in my classroom as a way to introduce difficult situations that may occur in my classroom. This book is a great way to familiarize students that may have not been aware of what cancer is and the impacts (physically and mentally) that it has on individuals. This book is also wonderful in building a classroom community by the conversations that can come out of it. It is important to talk with students about how when a student or the family of a student is going through a difficult time, we can come together and support them. Additionally, this book could also fit the "Aha Moment" category for the fiction signpost as to when a character realizes, understands, or finally figures out something. Students then stop and ask their selves, "How might this change things?" I consider this a great opportunity to teach about "Aha Moments" by using this book in a lesson.
The Lemonade Club was a WOW book to me essentially because of the relationship between the 5th grade teacher and her students. Mrs. Wichelman cared so much for her students and was so explicit with them. This encouraged me to be the same in my future classroom. This was also a WOW book for me due to the fact that I have dealt with and experienced the emotions and hardships that come from cancer with family members. This is truly a difficult topic to talk about, but I believe Patricia Polacco did a phenomenal job making this into a book.
I would use The Lemonade Club book in my classroom as a way to introduce difficult situations that may occur in my classroom. This book is a great way to familiarize students that may have not been aware of what cancer is and the impacts (physically and mentally) that it has on individuals. This book is also wonderful in building a classroom community by the conversations that can come out of it. It is important to talk with students about how when a student or the family of a student is going through a difficult time, we can come together and support them. Additionally, this book could also fit the "Aha Moment" category for the fiction signpost as to when a character realizes, understands, or finally figures out something. Students then stop and ask their selves, "How might this change things?" I consider this a great opportunity to teach about "Aha Moments" by using this book in a lesson.
The Lemonade Club was a WOW book to me essentially because of the relationship between the 5th grade teacher and her students. Mrs. Wichelman cared so much for her students and was so explicit with them. This encouraged me to be the same in my future classroom. This was also a WOW book for me due to the fact that I have dealt with and experienced the emotions and hardships that come from cancer with family members. This is truly a difficult topic to talk about, but I believe Patricia Polacco did a phenomenal job making this into a book.
March 14, 2017
This realistic fiction picture book tells a heart-warming story about a young girl who is diagnosed with Leukemia. It describes how difficult cancer can be on a person, but also, how comforting it is to have a support system to care for them every step of the way. I absolutely love how well the story portrays the importance of this; I believe it is a theme that students will take away with them and use in future situations as they grow up! Patricia Polacco's story, "The Lemonade Club," would be great for grades 3-5, as it provides a great way to introduce/address the difficult topic of cancer. For example, this story would be an appropriate read aloud when a student, family member, or faculty member is experiencing a similar situation. Not only does Polacco do an awesome job addressing this topic, but she also rocks the saying, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade," to push children to make the best of every situation.
This book is a "WOW" book for me because it reveals many truths about cancer in a way that educates children on the matter, while also encouraging a positive and supportive response to similar situations that they may encounter. The illustrations are flawless and engaging, while Patricia Polacco's writing is surreal and inspirational.
This book is a "WOW" book for me because it reveals many truths about cancer in a way that educates children on the matter, while also encouraging a positive and supportive response to similar situations that they may encounter. The illustrations are flawless and engaging, while Patricia Polacco's writing is surreal and inspirational.
February 16, 2018
This is such a touching story and the fact that it is true makes it all the more wonderful. We've been reading Patricia Polacco's books for over a year now and we are always on the hunt for one that we haven't read yet.
Her books are usually a top choice for one of our bedtime stories and more often than not, I find myself in tears or choking back the tears. Such is the case with this book.
It is a wonderful and heartfelt tribute to a period in her daughter's life when life was truly handing out lemons. But happily, the lemons eventually turned into bright lemon-colored dresses worn by very happy bridesmaids for a beautiful bride. Very sweet lemonade indeed. ...sigh...
Her books are usually a top choice for one of our bedtime stories and more often than not, I find myself in tears or choking back the tears. Such is the case with this book.
It is a wonderful and heartfelt tribute to a period in her daughter's life when life was truly handing out lemons. But happily, the lemons eventually turned into bright lemon-colored dresses worn by very happy bridesmaids for a beautiful bride. Very sweet lemonade indeed. ...sigh...
July 16, 2012
– I cried when Marilyn got cancer. I cried when all her hair fell out. I cried when she came back to school and all her classmates had shaved their heads – even her teacher. I cried when Miss Wichelman told Marilyn she had breast cancer. I cried when, five years later, the girls walked down the aisle at Miss Wichelman’s wedding.
This story is so powerful. It communicates the power of love, acceptance, compassion, courage, and determination. It is a heavy topic, and one that should be carefully considered before sharing in a classroom, but the message is amazingly clear.
The fact that this story is based on the true events of her daughter Traci’s friendships lends credibility and strength to the message.
This story is so powerful. It communicates the power of love, acceptance, compassion, courage, and determination. It is a heavy topic, and one that should be carefully considered before sharing in a classroom, but the message is amazingly clear.
The fact that this story is based on the true events of her daughter Traci’s friendships lends credibility and strength to the message.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2016
When a young girl, and member of the small group of friends and their teacher, discovers she has cancer. The school mates and friends rally round her. Each student and their teacher shaves their head in respect for what their beloved classmate is going through.
Based on a real-life experience of Polacco's daughter, this book shines through.
Based on a real-life experience of Polacco's daughter, this book shines through.
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August 11, 2009This book was such a good one. Even though it's a children's book, it teaches about the feelings of people with cancer, and how thoughtful and caring people can be!
December 23, 2009
I actually cried while reading this out loud. I am such a sap.
February 26, 2013
I just read this to prepare for my classes author study on Patricia Polacco. It was such a wonderful book and story. :-) I can't wait to share it with my students! :-)
May 18, 2013
Verry good book
September 12, 2025
Ok, listen. This is based on a true story so I appreciate the story sensitivity. PP is an awesome author. However- this book is NOT appropriate for children. Besides body shaming language it has graphic images of a child with cancer.
It’s more than dark. It’s scary.
This might be appropriate for a HS or college class. Sorry gang, hard pass.
It’s more than dark. It’s scary.
This might be appropriate for a HS or college class. Sorry gang, hard pass.
June 19, 2025
WD in WI
January 27, 2023
Text-to-Self Connection: How does the story connect to your personal experiences or background?
The Lemonade Club
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Marilyn and Miss Wichelman, her teacher, both have cancer. Miss. Wichelman always told her students that if they dream it they can be it. They are encouraged throughout their journey by each other and classmates. Eventually, it will be her students that will encourage her to go chase her dreams despite her illness, as she had encouraged them. This story helps readers to understand that although life gets difficult, you must keep going. There’s nothing more heartfelt than having a great support system during a difficult time in life. This story was very touching.
The Lemonade Club
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Marilyn and Miss Wichelman, her teacher, both have cancer. Miss. Wichelman always told her students that if they dream it they can be it. They are encouraged throughout their journey by each other and classmates. Eventually, it will be her students that will encourage her to go chase her dreams despite her illness, as she had encouraged them. This story helps readers to understand that although life gets difficult, you must keep going. There’s nothing more heartfelt than having a great support system during a difficult time in life. This story was very touching.
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April 8, 2018ext-to Teaching Connection
I love this true story and how Lemon which is sore, represents life struggles and how you can take a sore situation into a life lesson. The Lemonade Club by Patricia Polacco is a great text to integrate into the Social Science lesson for grades 3rd-5th. Before I read this book, I would let students search for way that they are different than their peers. I would also ask students to focus on what they have in common with each other. Also during the reading students will predict what would happen next. After the book is finished, I would engage students in a discussion about how we can try to be encouraging and accepting of each other.
I love this true story and how Lemon which is sore, represents life struggles and how you can take a sore situation into a life lesson. The Lemonade Club by Patricia Polacco is a great text to integrate into the Social Science lesson for grades 3rd-5th. Before I read this book, I would let students search for way that they are different than their peers. I would also ask students to focus on what they have in common with each other. Also during the reading students will predict what would happen next. After the book is finished, I would engage students in a discussion about how we can try to be encouraging and accepting of each other.
January 26, 2018
Beautiful story of friendship and overcoming the "lemons" thrown at us in life.
December 7, 2012
I love Patricia Polacco books I think she is an amazing author. I had never heard of this book of hers before but like all her other books it is awesome it takes such a hard subject and makes it easier to understand.
Summary-
Traci and Marilyn are best friends and they do almost everything together, they even have class together with Miss Wichelman. Everyone adores Miss Wichelman and she always tells him or her make lemonade out of the lemons life hands you. Traci starts to notice some changes in Marilyn then the class finds out that Marilyn was diagnosed with Leukemia. Marilyn struggles with her treatment but Miss Wichelman and Traci visit her often. When Marilyn returns back to class she is surprised to see that all the kids in the class and Miss Wichelman shaved their heads to match hers. The girls and Miss Wichelman meet up and talk and have lemonade every so often, they call it the Lemonade Club. During one of these times one of the girls ask Miss Wichelman why her hasn’t started to grow back like everyone else’s. She then tells the girls that she has breast cancer. She fights through and marries five years later. Both the girls are in the ceremony and they both have on Lemon yellow dresses on!
Use in the classroom-
I think that this would be a great book to have around because there is a chance that someone in your class might have cancer and you could read this story aloud to the class to give them a better idea. It is a wonderful book to have around I think.
Summary-
Traci and Marilyn are best friends and they do almost everything together, they even have class together with Miss Wichelman. Everyone adores Miss Wichelman and she always tells him or her make lemonade out of the lemons life hands you. Traci starts to notice some changes in Marilyn then the class finds out that Marilyn was diagnosed with Leukemia. Marilyn struggles with her treatment but Miss Wichelman and Traci visit her often. When Marilyn returns back to class she is surprised to see that all the kids in the class and Miss Wichelman shaved their heads to match hers. The girls and Miss Wichelman meet up and talk and have lemonade every so often, they call it the Lemonade Club. During one of these times one of the girls ask Miss Wichelman why her hasn’t started to grow back like everyone else’s. She then tells the girls that she has breast cancer. She fights through and marries five years later. Both the girls are in the ceremony and they both have on Lemon yellow dresses on!
Use in the classroom-
I think that this would be a great book to have around because there is a chance that someone in your class might have cancer and you could read this story aloud to the class to give them a better idea. It is a wonderful book to have around I think.
May 24, 2013
How can Patricia Polacco bring me to tears in so few pages. Many authors seem to need whole novels to develop characters and stories enough to bring me to tears, but Polacco can do it in record time. The Lemonade Club is no exception. The Lemonade Club is a true story inspired by Polacco's daughter, Traci. Traci and Marilyn are best friends, and they are in Ms. Wichelman's class. They love having Ms. Wichelman. Traci and Marilyn do everything together until Marilyn is diagnosed with cancer. Traci and Ms. Wichelman are continuously encouraging Marilyn through this process. The three of them form the lemonade club (when life gives you lemons...). Ms. Wichelman is planning her wedding and Marilyn and Traci are to be a part of it, but Ms. Wichelman has a situation of her own to deal with also.
This is a wonderful story about friendship and how friendships can help you overcome difficult situations. I would recommend this book to 2nd-6th graders because of the topic of cancer. Cancer can be a scary topic for young students. This book could be used in a counseling session with students who are diagnosed with a disease or who have family members who have been diagnosed with something. This book shows how we need to continue to encourage people and stay friends with them especially when they are going through a difficult time.
The artwork is done in pencil and marker, and is very simply drawn, but it still shows the emotions that all the characters are going through.
I strongly recommend this book, but to be honest, that is how I feel about most Patricia Polacco books.
This is a wonderful story about friendship and how friendships can help you overcome difficult situations. I would recommend this book to 2nd-6th graders because of the topic of cancer. Cancer can be a scary topic for young students. This book could be used in a counseling session with students who are diagnosed with a disease or who have family members who have been diagnosed with something. This book shows how we need to continue to encourage people and stay friends with them especially when they are going through a difficult time.
The artwork is done in pencil and marker, and is very simply drawn, but it still shows the emotions that all the characters are going through.
I strongly recommend this book, but to be honest, that is how I feel about most Patricia Polacco books.
August 6, 2011
During my senoir year of high school i was enrolled in a tutoring program to help the younger kids. i was lucky enough to be able to work in the library and help read to the kids , it was alot of fun. well one day i arrived and was told that all the kids were on a field trip and i could just work on my homework which was music to my ears since i had 2 essays due in the next month and had trouble finding time to work on them. i was walking through the asiles and the book Pink and Say jumped out at me , i remembered loving it from when i was in grade school and thought for old times sake to reread it quickly and return to my pile of dreadful homework. i spent the whole hour reading Patricia's books , every one the library had . i hadnt even noticed the time had passed untill i realized my ride had been waiting for me for 20 minutes and i was late to my next class. when i got back to school , everyone thought something had happend. i was still crying from reading The Lemonade Club. this book is in a word : magic. i will make my children will read it , my childrens children will read it. My aunt has had cancer several times and after i read this book , i called her to remind her how much i loved her. this book is amazing as is , of course , anything that Patricia writes. For the love of Autumn was one of the books i read daily to the kids, not because they wanted to read it ( although many of them loved it) but because i worshipped it, she is truley a gifted writer.
February 27, 2009
Genre- Picture Book
Reading Level- K-4
Topic and Themes- Cancer and friendship
Curricula use- Read Aloud
Social- Dealing with a life threatening disease and how support from friends makes a difference
Literary Element- A fifth grade girl is diagnosed with leukemia and her class rallies together to support her. This book is based on a true story.
Text and Pictures- The text and pictures go together to illustrate this heart warming story
Summary- "The Lemonade Club", by Patricia Polacco. This is an extraordinary story based on actual events of a little girl's battle with Leukemia. The little girl is in fifth grade when it is discovered that she has the disease. Her fifth grade teacher has always taught the class that if life hands you a lemon or two.. to make lemonade. As the little girl is going through her treatments she makes the remark that no one knows how she feels, to her astonishment her teacher shares her news of being diagnosed with breast cancer and she has been going through treatments also. This is an inspirational story of how when people come together to support one another that it does make a difference. There is an interesting twist at the end, but you'll need to read it to find out what it is. It will touch your heart.
Reading Level- K-4
Topic and Themes- Cancer and friendship
Curricula use- Read Aloud
Social- Dealing with a life threatening disease and how support from friends makes a difference
Literary Element- A fifth grade girl is diagnosed with leukemia and her class rallies together to support her. This book is based on a true story.
Text and Pictures- The text and pictures go together to illustrate this heart warming story
Summary- "The Lemonade Club", by Patricia Polacco. This is an extraordinary story based on actual events of a little girl's battle with Leukemia. The little girl is in fifth grade when it is discovered that she has the disease. Her fifth grade teacher has always taught the class that if life hands you a lemon or two.. to make lemonade. As the little girl is going through her treatments she makes the remark that no one knows how she feels, to her astonishment her teacher shares her news of being diagnosed with breast cancer and she has been going through treatments also. This is an inspirational story of how when people come together to support one another that it does make a difference. There is an interesting twist at the end, but you'll need to read it to find out what it is. It will touch your heart.
July 23, 2009
Polacco, P. (2007). The lemonade club. New York: Philomel Books.
Summary:
Best friends Traci and Marilyn love Miss Wichelman’s fifth grade class, where she makes them believe them can be anything and get through anything. When they learn that Marilyn has leukemia, the teacher and class all support her the best they can, especially Traci. As Marilyn begins to get better, Traci and Marilyn meet with Miss W. and become “The Lemonade Club”. However, Miss W. soon shares with the girls and the rest of the fifth graders that she too is fighting her own cancer.
The last page of the book contains Patricia Polacco’s background information that inspired this story, and photos of the women.
Reviews/Awards:
Booklist 10/1/2007
School Library Journal 10/1/2007
Publisher's Weekly 7/30/2007
Curriculum Connection:
* 6th grade writing: students could write a letter to one of the three main characters, sharing their own lemon stories and how they added their own ingredients to create “lemonade” and improve the situation.
* Great lesson plan ideas: http://www.state.lib.la.us/empowerlib...
Grades: 6+ (maybe mature 5th graders)
Summary:
Best friends Traci and Marilyn love Miss Wichelman’s fifth grade class, where she makes them believe them can be anything and get through anything. When they learn that Marilyn has leukemia, the teacher and class all support her the best they can, especially Traci. As Marilyn begins to get better, Traci and Marilyn meet with Miss W. and become “The Lemonade Club”. However, Miss W. soon shares with the girls and the rest of the fifth graders that she too is fighting her own cancer.
The last page of the book contains Patricia Polacco’s background information that inspired this story, and photos of the women.
Reviews/Awards:
Booklist 10/1/2007
School Library Journal 10/1/2007
Publisher's Weekly 7/30/2007
Curriculum Connection:
* 6th grade writing: students could write a letter to one of the three main characters, sharing their own lemon stories and how they added their own ingredients to create “lemonade” and improve the situation.
* Great lesson plan ideas: http://www.state.lib.la.us/empowerlib...
Grades: 6+ (maybe mature 5th graders)
May 20, 2017
Traci and Marilyn were best friends. In Miss Wichelman's fifth-grade class they learned about believing in themselves and turning difficult experiences into positive ones. Lemons into lemonade. Miss Wichelman even kept a basket of fresh lemons on her desk. Everyone loved Miss Wichelman and she made learning fun. She always told the children if you can dream it you can BE it. She herself had wanted to be a doctor but then felt teaching was where she could help people, too.
Marilyn was teased by some older girls about being overweight, and she told Traci she wanted to be thin. Marilyn started losing weight and was tired all the time. When Marilyn collapsed one day in the garden, Traci worried something was very wrong because Marilyn wasn't even trying to get thin. It was discovered that Marilyn had leukemia. She had to undergo chemotherapy treatments which was a very difficult time for her, and she lost all her hair.
Meanwhile, Miss Wichelman was dealing with her own problems, but she and Traci encouraged Marilyn daily. When Marilyn was able to go back to school the whole class had a big surprise for her.
This is a story out of the author's daughter's life. It's a superbly told and illustrated story.
Marilyn was teased by some older girls about being overweight, and she told Traci she wanted to be thin. Marilyn started losing weight and was tired all the time. When Marilyn collapsed one day in the garden, Traci worried something was very wrong because Marilyn wasn't even trying to get thin. It was discovered that Marilyn had leukemia. She had to undergo chemotherapy treatments which was a very difficult time for her, and she lost all her hair.
Meanwhile, Miss Wichelman was dealing with her own problems, but she and Traci encouraged Marilyn daily. When Marilyn was able to go back to school the whole class had a big surprise for her.
This is a story out of the author's daughter's life. It's a superbly told and illustrated story.
December 8, 2014
A wonderful, heart-warming book written in typical Polacco style. This story, as most of her books are, is based on true events. This is the story of her daughter's fifth grade class. Her best friend is chubby and because of this is mercilessly teased by classmates, when over the course of the year, her friend mysteriously starts losing weight and is exhausted much of the time. Sadly, the friend has leukemia, yet with chemotherapy and medical care she rebounds. But, what is most heart-warming is the rallying of the class to her side. When her hair falls out, they all shave their heads, even her teacher, it seems. What they don't know, until later, is that the teacher has breast cancer, and is undergoinging her own treatment. Her hair has fallen out because of her own treatment. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, the teacher tells them. She also encourages them to always follow their dreams...and she takes her own advice.
In true Polacco fashion, you will get the warm-fuzzies and there may even be a tear in your eye. HEr illustrations are wonderful and story enchancing. A must for kids, as all her books are.
In true Polacco fashion, you will get the warm-fuzzies and there may even be a tear in your eye. HEr illustrations are wonderful and story enchancing. A must for kids, as all her books are.
September 18, 2013
Patricia Polacco books are picture books, often time with a deep or heavy theme. Just because a book is a picture book, doesn't mean it's necessarily right for a 3 year old. That being said, there is no right way to decide what age IS the appropriate age for this book. Often times with her books, I feel that they can be good for kids way past the typical picture book age! Even as an adult, I can deeply appreciate her books. Younger children can benefit from this story as well, though. So often, a child may have a person in their life who has cancer, and they may not understand what it is, or how that person might be feeling on a day to day basis. They may not understand why that person is wearing a scarf or hat. Sadly, there may be a child in a class going through this- this is a true story of a friend in the author's daughter's class! And sadly, this book may be a help to a child who is going through this him/herself!
I am a huge Patricia Polacco fan and I appreciate that she addresses some tough issues others might not know how to touch on! Even in my twenties, she is one of my favorite authors! Another job well done!
I am a huge Patricia Polacco fan and I appreciate that she addresses some tough issues others might not know how to touch on! Even in my twenties, she is one of my favorite authors! Another job well done!
October 13, 2008
Genre: Picture book, realistic
Reading Level: Transitional
Topics & Themes: Teacher with breast cancer. Best friend with leukemia. Fellow student with leukemia. Achieving your dreams. Overcoming cancer. Teacher-student close relationships
Curricular Use: Independent
Social: What defines beauty: flat-chested and brides
Literary Elements: The lemonade club: using a well known saying “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” throughout to keep the overall mood positive. Foreshadowing of something wrong with Miss Wichelman: her prolonged reaction to Marilyn's cancer news.
Text & Pictures: Interaction. The pictures of face were creepily drawn and did not appeal to me.
Additional Notes: I did find the conversation with the teacher and the issues of breast cancer amusing. “So...so you're going to be flat chested like us, right? “Fashion models are flat-chested, and they are considered the most beautiful women on earth!!” “and brides!!”
Reading Level: Transitional
Topics & Themes: Teacher with breast cancer. Best friend with leukemia. Fellow student with leukemia. Achieving your dreams. Overcoming cancer. Teacher-student close relationships
Curricular Use: Independent
Social: What defines beauty: flat-chested and brides
Literary Elements: The lemonade club: using a well known saying “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” throughout to keep the overall mood positive. Foreshadowing of something wrong with Miss Wichelman: her prolonged reaction to Marilyn's cancer news.
Text & Pictures: Interaction. The pictures of face were creepily drawn and did not appeal to me.
Additional Notes: I did find the conversation with the teacher and the issues of breast cancer amusing. “So...so you're going to be flat chested like us, right? “Fashion models are flat-chested, and they are considered the most beautiful women on earth!!” “and brides!!”
August 13, 2016
I thought the story (reflective of a true story) is beautiful and touching.
One thing I would like to address, however, is ...
When Traci and Marilyn learn that there teacher/dear friend has cancer (as Marilyn had) and would require surgery, they make a friendly comment "So you're going to be flat-chested like us, right?" With additional, "Fashion models are flat-chested, and they are considered the most beautiful women on earth!" I took this in the context the author meant it, I believe. Being less endowed myself, it's a playful gesture or poke at oneself not to demean others. Polacco clearly states earlier in the book that "it isn't good for kids to starve themselves and go on diets." So, I wholly believe the author has a healthy perspective on beauty coming in all shapes and sizes. I just figure there will be some readers who don't relate or understand the comment about being flat-chested not being meant as a put down to anyone.
One thing I would like to address, however, is ...
When Traci and Marilyn learn that there teacher/dear friend has cancer (as Marilyn had) and would require surgery, they make a friendly comment "So you're going to be flat-chested like us, right?" With additional, "Fashion models are flat-chested, and they are considered the most beautiful women on earth!" I took this in the context the author meant it, I believe. Being less endowed myself, it's a playful gesture or poke at oneself not to demean others. Polacco clearly states earlier in the book that "it isn't good for kids to starve themselves and go on diets." So, I wholly believe the author has a healthy perspective on beauty coming in all shapes and sizes. I just figure there will be some readers who don't relate or understand the comment about being flat-chested not being meant as a put down to anyone.
October 26, 2011
Beetle and I headed for the public library this evening for a special father-daughter evening out. She had great fun reading Ranger Rick and checking out several books. I was stimulated to find some new read alouds for my class. To that end, I went and fetched a Patricia Polacco book I had not read previously.
This book is not a book I would read to my class. Anytime a book deals with diets and flat chests, I will pass, thankyouverymuch.
It is a touching story of two best friends in fifth grade. One of the girls develops Cancer. Her class, led by her teacher, rallies the class for support. When the girl returns, all had shaved their heads. Hmmm . . . It turns out the teacher has breast cancer herself.
The teacher leaves teaching to pursue a medical degree. It turns out that like most Polacco books, this is based on a true story; Polacco's daughter was the friend of the girl who had cancer.
A decent read, but not as compelling from my male seat as it may be for others.
This book is not a book I would read to my class. Anytime a book deals with diets and flat chests, I will pass, thankyouverymuch.
It is a touching story of two best friends in fifth grade. One of the girls develops Cancer. Her class, led by her teacher, rallies the class for support. When the girl returns, all had shaved their heads. Hmmm . . . It turns out the teacher has breast cancer herself.
The teacher leaves teaching to pursue a medical degree. It turns out that like most Polacco books, this is based on a true story; Polacco's daughter was the friend of the girl who had cancer.
A decent read, but not as compelling from my male seat as it may be for others.
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