I really liked Evan and couldn’t quite get a read on his sister. Is the whole crushes/feelings thing a mystery to her because she’s younger and just not developmentally able? Is it her overly analytical personality? Is there some diagnosis that is being hinted at but not explicitly stated (a la grandma’s implied Alzheimer’s)? It’s definitely obvious that there’s something else going on with her, which made her bearable and sympathetic, if not actually likeable.

The story was cute and it’s a fast read, the only book of the series I’ve read so far. As a nerdy mom I love that it was full of poetry and even had terms defined at the beginning of each chapter. It also led to at least one good conversation with my daughter about right vs. wrong in relation to Jessie’s intrusion into her brother’s personal space and taking something that he had thrown away: is that really stealing? Does how he feel about it change the acceptability of her behavior? Definitely applicable in a real world full of siblings. ( )

I liked the introduction of romance to the series. I wasn't so happy with the ending though - felt a bit like Romeo and Juliet! ( )

This is the fourth book in the Lemonade War Series by Jacqueline Davies.
Saint Valentine's Day is near. Someone anonymous is leaving candy hearts with special messages in the desk of the 4-O kids at Hillside School. Someone has drawn a heart in a door in the girls bathroom with Meghan and Evan initials in it. If Jessie could reveal this mysteries she will have the perfect headline for her newsletter.
Meanwhile, Evan discovers how much he loves poetry and how good is he at writing it.

I had a great time again reading this series. There were three topics in this book that I specially liked the way they were touched. One of them was the situation the family is facing with Grandma, that is now living with them since she can't take care of herself anymore. Grandma is disoriented, sometimes she can't remember Evan's name. At other moments she looks distressed, altered, nervous, and even lost, trying to do things that do not make much sense to the kids. I loved the way Evan tries to calm her down, help her feel better, even this is a little painful to him.
Evan and Jessie's parents divorce is other of the topics I think was faced with the necessary seriousness, and specially real respect for the kids feelings.
And finally poetry itself was shown like something so funny, easy and delectable to write, that even I want to try!

Check out more children's book reviews in my Reviews in Chalk Blog! ( )