The Lemonade Club

Polacco, P. (2007). The Lemonade Club. New York, NY: Philomel Books.

Genre: Children’s Picture Storybook (Memoir)

Polacco has an almost magical ability to tell powerful, yet beautiful stories. In “The Lemonade Club,” Polacco is telling a true story that involves her daughter, Traci, Traci’s best friend, Marilyn, and their fifth grade teacher, Miss Wichelman.

Traci and Marilyn were best friends and did everything together---as best friends do. They were even in the same class and they both loved their teacher, Miss Wichelman. Miss Wichelman was loved because she encouraged her students to dream and to overcome challenges by making lemonade from lemons. This advice was put to the test when Marilyn was diagnosed with cancer (leukemia). Marilyn undergoes treatments, becomes weak, obtains bruises, loses her hair, and struggles with good and not so good days. Traci and Miss Wichelman visit her frequently while she recovers from her treatments…meanwhile; the entire fifth grade class plans a surprise for Marilyn’s first day back to school. I was already teary-eyed from the beginning of the book but the surprise released the floodgates and I cried happy tears. It also happens that Miss Wichelman has breast cancer, so she bonds with Marilyn and Traci in a meaningful way. The three become the Lemonade Club and when Miss Wichelman marries five years later, Marilyn and Traci wear bright lemon yellow gowns in the ceremony in celebration of not only the wedding but also in celebration of their recoveries and Miss Wichelman following her career dream.

Polacco includes actual photographs of The Lemonade Club ladies all grown up and it is remarkable to be able to connect the book characters with the real people.

*Written June 2012

In Our Mothers' House

Polacco, P. (2009). In our mothers’ house. New York, NY: Philomel Books.

Genre: Children’s Picture Storybook 

Polacco stepped aside from her usual books based on personal experiences and heritage to write a book for children and families that she has met in schools, at speaking engagements, etc. In Our Mothers’ House is the story of three adopted children and the love and devotion they received from their two mothers in their mothers' house. Polacco’s story highlights the love of this family but also showcases some of the challenges and discrimination that “non-traditional” families face. 

I particularly enjoyed the scenes in which the mothers sewed the children’s homemade Halloween costumes and dresses for a special tea. Despite all the love and support the two mothers offered their children, there was one mother in the neighborhood that was not accepting of their non-traditional family and it is beyond sad that these children had to deal with the hateful confrontation of this cold, bitter woman in such a public manner. Fortunately, Marmee and Meema were loving individuals and they did not let the hateful comments of one person impact the love in their hearts. I admire their strength and respectful response to hatred. 

The book follows the three children into their adult lives. Sharing their marriages at their mothers' house, capturing the first steps of their own children at their mothers' house, and coming together for family events/gatherings after their mothers have passed...this story is remarkably touching and  brought tears to my eyes.

Beautiful, beautiful story of unconditional love. Polacco at her finest!