Myra here.
We are delighted to join the Nonfiction Picture Book meme 2019 hosted by Alyson Beecher @ Kid Lit Frenzy. We would also be linking our nonfiction choices with our reading themes throughout the year, when we can.
The Lemonade Club
Written and Illustrated by Patricia Polacco
Published by Philomel Books (2007).
ISBN: 0399245405 (ISBN13: 9780399245404)
Borrowed through inter-library loan. Book photos taken by me.
I have always been a huge fan of Patricia Polacco. When I discovered that she wrote a story about her own daughter’s best friend who went through cancer when they were younger, I just knew that it is a perfect book to share for our reading theme.
Most of Polacco’s books touch on inspiring teachers (see The Art Of Miss Chew and my review here, Junkyard Wonders and my review here, Mr Wayne’s Masterpiece and my review here, An A From Miss Keller, and Thank You Mr Falker) – and this one add to the growing list.
Miss Wichelman was depicted to be such an inspiring and warm teacher who taught her students that if life hands you a lemon or two, then with some water and sugar, one can make a lemonade!
This philosophy was tested when Marilyn was diagnosed to have leukemia and needed to go through chemotherapy. Traci (Patricia Polacco’s daughter) was especially devastated since Marilyn was her absolute best friend in the world.
This was a remarkable story of triumph over pain, a sisterhood that defied cancer, and an inter-generational friendship that lasted until the present time. There was a scene in the book that made me hold my heart over my hand. I don’t know how Patricia Polacco does it, but her stories never feel maudlin or contrived – they are real and tug at reader’s heartstrings. Find this and I hope it moves you as much as it did me.
#WomenReadWomen2019: Country – United States of America
Gathering Books 
This is a new one to me, Myra, and I’m sure Palacco told it with heart as she always does. I saw her speak once, a special memory. She brought and shared a new quilt that her family had made for her. They had researched and found the old cloth that the original had and created it anew! She’s given many wonderful gifts to us in her picture books. Thank you for this one!
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“her stories never feel maudlin or contrived”–Yes! I’ve wondered if it’s because she writes from her own personal and family history. I think there is such power in telling family stories.
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