The Lemonade Club

2007, Philomel Books

"One day, Miss Wichelman came for a visit. Traci was already there. It was on of Marilyn's not-so-good days. She had just come from the hospital, and her arms were bruised from all the pokes she got that day. She was so weak, she could hardly sit up in bed. Nothing Traci and Miss Widhelman did seemed to cheer her up."

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Patricia Polacco

Polacco is the author and illustrator of more than 60 children's books. She has been awarded the Sydney Taylor Book Award twice, the Golden Kite Award, and the Parents Choice Awards for numerous titles. The Lemonade Club is the retelling of Polacco's daughter's illness.

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Book Synopsis

Marilyn and Trace are the best of friends and adore Miss Wichelman, their 5th grade teacher. Marilyn is diagnosed with leukemia at the same time Miss Wichelman is diagnosed with breast cancer.  But friends, regardless of age, stick together to support one another.

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Picture book, 48 pages. Marilyn battles leukemia during her fifth grade year with the help of her best friend, Traci, her teacher, Miss Wichelman, and the entire fifth grade class.

Learning Options

Family Read Aloud Time
Every family -- immediate or extended -- experiences illness; The Lemonade Club is a timely read aloud for children who need to know how kind and supportive others are when friends or family members are in need of help.

Classroom Resource
The Teacher's Guide at Penguin Books is a solid unit of lessons for a number of Polacco's books including The Lemonade Club.

Learning at Home
Empathy for others with serious illnesses is strengthened when we volunteer to help. Look at the American Cancer Society's site for ideas and suggestions.

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