Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lively, colorful, educational take on sibling rivalry.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE LEMONADE WAR starts during the last week of summer when Evan, going into fourth grade, and his sister Jessie, almost 9 and also going into fourth grade, make a bet to see who can make $100 selling lemonade. Evan's sure he'll win because talking to people and making them feel good about what they're buying comes easily to him. Jessie's problem-solving and math skills give her an advantage when it comes to figuring out exactly what she needs to do to get to $100. But when the rivalry starts to get as hot as an August afternoon, the siblings stoop to new lows to gain an advantage. But what do they do when they've gone too far?
Is It Any Good?
This graphic novel adaptation is a colorful and engaging version of a popular book that elementary-aged kids can relate to and learn a lot from. The sibling rivalry in The Lemonade War rings very true, and readers will easily relate to Evan and Jessie whether they have siblings or not. The contest keeps the pages turning and makes learning about economics and math entertaining because they're grounded in real-world examples. Karen De la Vega's lively, expressive illustrations add depth and visual appeal. Flashbacks showing the kids supporting each other through a tough time show the characters' loving sides and offers hope that they can work things out in the end.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the sibling rivalry in The Lemonade Wars. Do you have siblings, and if you do, are you very competitive with them? Why, or why not?
How do Evan's communication and social skills help his lemonade business?
How does teamwork help Evan and Jessie sell lemonade, either with friends or with each other?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Karen De La Vega
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : STEM , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Clarion Books
- Publication date : April 29, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 208
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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