Lemons

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.

Goodness, does Lemons have depth! It ranges from lighthearted topics such as Twinkies and egg rolls to the deep emotions involved in the loss of loved ones and what it feels like to be different from others, as well as the mental trauma that soldiers can suffer from. This book had me crying more than once and really thinking about those I love most in this world 💕 It also had me laughing plenty! I really enjoyed Lemonade’s friendship with Tobin despite how particular and different he was. Both characters have a list of cute traits and quirks that fit so well in the story (how Tobin keeps tightening his hat!). Melissa Savage has a way with expressing delicate topics that I truly admire. This story is warm and touching 🌟

It’s been a minute since I read this book, but I picked it up on my friend’s following recommendation. The story follows Lem (Lemonade) who moves to her estranged grandfathers town in a community that happens to be obsessed with Bigfoot after her mother sadly passes away. She befriends a boy named Toby who has his own secret Bigfoot detective agency and the story follows them. I really liked this book, following both Lem and Tobys life after each of them lose a relative is heartbreaking, but the story is never overly sentimental. It’s a good story of friendship and learning to let go.

I read this book to my kids and I must have cried at six different points! Not only is this a wonderful adventure story and journey for the main character, it gives a ton of opportunities for discussions with your kids about how to handle hard feelings and work through life’s challenges. We never wanted to stop reading! Almost every chapter ends on a cliffhanger and the ending does not disappoint! GREAT book.

U really liked the characters and the setting. I liked seeing Lemonade find her new home and I liked the Bigfoot handle. This was a whole lot of fun, but has touching moments, too. And the ending was great.

Both my kids ready it for school and enjoy it.

Fantastic, it was a perfect mixture of sadness and sorrow along with happiness. Please do make more of these fabulous books! I do have a suggestion for more books if you plan to write some more ((Please do so)) 1. If Mama was alive 2. 20 years in the future 3. If Lemonade never came to Willow Creek.

l really enjoyed reading Lemons. There are some important issues discussed in a fun yet emotional way that makes you feel like you know the characters. A few surprising twists and turns make you want to keep reading. Great job, Melissa!

I just finished reading Lemons with my Grade 5 class. We LOVED it! Lots of great conversations and connections for everyone. We wrote to thank Melissa Savage and included a picture of us all sharing Twinkies! She has a new book coming out in October, The Truth About Martians, and I will be ordering it as well. No hesitation at all.

My son loved to read Lemons!