Synopses & Reviews
Ten-year-old Zoe Elias has perfect piano dreams. She can practically feel the keys under her flying fingers; she can hear the audience's applause. All she needs is a baby grand so she can start her lessons, and then she'll be well on her way to Carnegie Hall.
But when Dad ventures to the music store and ends up with a wheezy organ instead of a piano, Zoe's dreams hit a sour note. Learning the organ versions of old TV theme songs just isn't the same as mastering Beethoven on the piano. And the organ isn't the only part of Zoe's life in Michigan that's off-kilter, what with Mom constantly at work, Dad afraid to leave the house, and that odd boy, Wheeler Diggs, following her home from school every day.
Yet when Zoe enters the annual Perform-O-Rama organ competition, she finds that life is full of surprises--and that perfection may be even better when it's just a little off center.
Review
"Another rewarding chapter book from the Lemonade War series."
—Booklist
Review
"Another rewarding chapter book from the Lemonade War series."
and#8212;Booklist
"A terrific tie-in to Valentine's Day, but a good anytime school story for boys and girls alike."
and#8212;Read Kiddo Read
Review
"The realistic depiction of the childrenand#8217;s emotions and ways of expressing them will resonate with readers. Great for discussion, this involving and, at times, riveting chapter book has something to say and a deceptively simple way of saying it."and#8212;
Booklist, starred review
"Short chapters, realistic dialogue and social dynamics, humor, and suspense will keep even reluctant readers turning pages to the satisfying conclusion."and#8212;School Library Journal
Review
"What a generous spirit behind this book: one that celebrates the crooked quirks of its characters. I love Zoe's parents and her friend Wheeler, but most especially I love Zoe. She's perfect, in the most deliciously crooked kind of way."--Sharon Creech, Newbery Medal-winning author of
Walk Two Moons "An impressive and poignant debut novel . . . filled with hope and humor."--School Library Journal
"Immediately engaging . . . Zoeand#8217;s world is drawn with sometimes painful precision, her emotions are revealed with empathy, and her story unfolds realistically, without the miracles she hopes for, but with small, sometimes surprising changes . . . sometimes funny, sometimes tender, this is a promising debut."--Booklist
"Short, funny chapters full of exaggeration and exasperation provide lots of laughs . . . Readers with their own dreams, weird obsessions, and quirky hobbies will be heartened by the message that a few bumps, compromises, and sour notes along the way can pay off in a major key."--The Bulletin
Synopsis
Poignant and funny, theand#160;fourth book in theand#160;best-selling Lemonade War series explores the distinctive power of poetry and loveand#8212;fourth grade style.
Synopsis
The fourth installment of the popular Lemonade War series Siblings Jessie and Evan Treski have waged a lemonade war, sought justice in a class trial, and even unmasked a bell thief. Now they are at opposite ends over the right to keep secrets...
Evan believes some things (such as his poetry) are private. Jessie believes scandal makes good news.
When anonymously sent candy hearts appear in Class 4-0, self-appointed ace reporter Jessie determines to get the scoop on class crushes.
Like a modern-day Beverly Cleary, Jacqueline Davies writes with heart, humor, and honesty about family and school life for middle schoolers.
The five books in this fun-to-read series are:
The Lemonade WarThe Lemonade CrimeThe Bell BanditThe Candy SmashThe Magic Trap
Synopsis
With the help of Class 4-0, Jessie and Evan Treski have waged a lemonade war, sought justice in a class trial and even unmasked a bell thief. In the fourth installment, Valentine's Day and a lesson about the distinctive power of poetry collide when someone leaves mysterious candy hearts for the class. Not to worry, self-appointed ace reporter, Jessie, is determined to get the scoop on class crushes—no matter the consequences. Poignant and funny, its a Valentines Day mystery full of sweet (and sour) surprises.
Synopsis
Jessie and Evan Treski have waged a lemonade war, sought justice in a class trial, and even unmasked a bell thief. Now they are at opposite ends over the right to keep secrets. Evan believes some things (such as his poetry) are private. Jessie believes scandal makes good news. When anonymously sent candy hearts appear in Class 4-0, self-appointed ace reporter Jessie determines to get the scoop on class crushes. and#12288;
Synopsis
In the much-anticipated sequel to The Lemonade War, brother and sister duo Evan and Jessie turn the playground into a full-blown courtroom and attempt to take the law into their own hands. This engaging chapter book entertains and explores the issue of fairness.
Synopsis
Following the laws of our legal system, Evan and Jessieand#8217;s fourth grade class concocts a courtroom on the playground, putting Scott Spencer, alleged thief, on trial. They create a legitimate courtroomand#8212;with a judge, witnesses, a jury of their peersand#8212;and surprising consequences.
and#160;and#160;and#160;As she explores the difficulties of fairness, Jacqueline Davies once again reveals how good she is at understanding the complex emotions of children this age.
Synopsis
Linda Urban's irresistible debut novel, full of warmth and sass, about ten-year-old Zoe Elias, who has perfect piano dreams but a life that's a little off-kilter.
About the Author
Linda Urbans debut novel, A Crooked Kind of Perfect, was selected for many best books lists and was nominated for twenty state awards. Her novel Hound Dog True received four starred reviews and was named a Kirkus Best Book of 2011. A former bookseller, she lives in Montpelier, Vermont, with her family.