The Lemonade Crime by Jacqueline Davies: A Thoughtful Exploration of Justice and Sibling Rivalry

Introduction: A Story That Packs a Punch

If you’ve ever been wronged and dreamed of serving up your own brand of justice, The Lemonade Crime will resonate deeply. Jacqueline Davies’ second installment in The Lemonade War Series takes sibling rivalry, moral dilemmas, and childhood friendships to a whole new level. This middle-grade novel isn’t just about solving a crime—it’s about understanding fairness, trust, and the messy gray areas of right and wrong.

Picking up where The Lemonade War left off, this book dives into a mock trial orchestrated by fourth-grader Evan Treski and his younger sister, Jessie, after their friend Scott is accused of stealing Evan’s lemonade stand money. What follows is a gripping, emotionally charged story that will make young readers (and even adults) question: What does justice really look like?

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Plot Summary: A Mock Trial with Real Stakes

The Lemonade Crime opens with Evan and Jessie still reeling from the aftermath of their summer lemonade war. When Evan’s money goes missing, suspicion immediately falls on Scott Spencer, a classmate with a history of dishonesty. Instead of reporting him, Jessie—a precocious, justice-minded girl—proposes an unconventional solution: a classroom trial.

With the help of their friends, the siblings set up a courtroom in their school playground, assigning roles like judge, jury, and attorneys. As the trial unfolds, tensions rise, secrets surface, and the line between guilt and innocence blurs. Davies masterfully keeps readers guessing: Did Scott really steal the money? And if he did, what’s the right way to handle it?

Without giving away major spoilers, the resolution is both surprising and deeply satisfying, reinforcing the book’s central themes of fairness, forgiveness, and the complexities of human behavior.

Character Analysis: Siblings, Rivals, and Unlikely Allies

Evan Treski – The Wounded Protector

Evan is the quintessential older brother—protective, impulsive, and struggling with feelings of betrayal. His emotional journey is raw and relatable, especially as he grapples with anger and the desire for revenge. Davies does an excellent job showing his internal conflict between wanting justice and realizing that justice isn’t always black-and-white.

Jessie Treski – The Logical Strategist

Jessie, Evan’s younger sister, is the brains behind the trial. Her analytical mind and love for rules make her an intriguing contrast to Evan’s emotional approach. However, her rigid sense of justice is challenged as she learns that people—even those who make mistakes—deserve understanding.

Scott Spencer – The Accused

Scott is more than just the “bad kid.” Davies gives him depth, revealing his insecurities and the reasons behind his actions. His character forces readers to consider: Can someone be guilty and still deserve empathy?

Supporting Cast – Friends Turned Jury

The classmates who participate in the trial bring humor, tension, and unexpected wisdom. Their shifting allegiances highlight how peer pressure and personal biases influence perceptions of guilt and innocence.

Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Engaging and Thought-Provoking

Davies’ writing is crisp, accessible, and perfectly suited for middle-grade readers. She balances humor with serious themes, making complex ideas about justice digestible for young minds. The alternating perspectives between Evan and Jessie add depth, allowing readers to see both sides of the conflict.

One standout technique is the use of flashbacks, which slowly reveal key details about Scott’s past and the events leading up to the theft. This keeps the suspense alive while reinforcing the idea that people’s actions are often shaped by unseen struggles.

Themes & Deeper Meanings: More Than Just a Kids’ Feud

At its core, The Lemonade Crime explores:

  • Justice vs. Revenge – Is the trial about fairness, or is it just Evan’s way of getting back at Scott?
  • Empathy & Second Chances – Can we condemn someone without understanding their circumstances?
  • Sibling Dynamics – Evan and Jessie’s relationship evolves as they navigate conflict together.

These themes make the book a fantastic conversation starter for parents and educators discussing ethics, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence with kids.

Personal Reading Experience: Why This Book Sticks With You

As an adult reader, I was struck by how nuanced the moral dilemmas were. Davies doesn’t spoon-feed answers—instead, she lets readers wrestle with the same questions as the characters. There were moments where I found myself sympathizing with Scott, then questioning my own biases.

The emotional climax, where truths are revealed and apologies are made, is genuinely moving. It’s rare for a children’s book to handle forgiveness with such grace.

Comparison to Other Works in the Genre

Fans of Frindle by Andrew Clements or Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea will appreciate The Lemonade Crime for its school-based drama and moral lessons. However, Davies’ focus on sibling relationships and legal concepts (albeit in a playground setting) gives it a unique edge.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:

✅ Realistic, relatable conflicts – The sibling rivalry and school dynamics feel authentic.
✅ Smart, engaging premise – A mock trial is a brilliant way to explore justice.
✅ Strong character development – Even minor characters have depth.

Minor Weaknesses:

❌ Pacing slows slightly mid-trial – Some readers might want faster resolution.
❌ Scott’s backstory could be expanded – A deeper dive into his home life would add even more emotional weight.

Target Audience: Who Should Read This?

  • Middle-grade readers (ages 8-12) who enjoy realistic fiction with moral dilemmas.
  • Parents & educators looking for books that spark discussions about fairness and empathy.
  • Fans of sibling stories or school-based dramas.

Memorable Quotes

“Fair isn’t everyone getting the same thing. Fair is everyone getting what they need.”

“Sometimes the truth isn’t enough. Sometimes you need proof.”

Final Verdict: A Must-Read for Young Thinkers

The Lemonade Crime is more than just a sequel—it’s a standalone gem that tackles big questions with heart and intelligence. Whether you’re a kid navigating friendships or an adult reflecting on justice, this book leaves a lasting impression.

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Discussion Questions for Readers:

  1. Do you think the trial was fair? Why or why not?
  2. Have you ever misjudged someone based on rumors? How did you handle it?
  3. What would you have done if you were in Evan or Jessie’s shoes?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how this book impacted you!

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