The Lemonade Crime

(Davies, J. (2011). The lemonade crime. Cookery: Houghton Mifflin Books For Children.)

Summary: After Evan Treski’s money (stolen from his sister, Jessie, who made it selling lemonade) is stolen from him and Scott Spencer suddenly shows up bragging about his new Xbox, things look suspicious and the Treski’s want revenge. Jessie issues a warrant for Scott’s arrest and he is put on trial with a judge, witnesses, and a jury.  At the trial a verdict is issued, but the real surprise comes after the trial.

Reading Level: Ages 9-12.

Key words/phrases:

1.      Trial

2.      Siblings

3.      Fourth Grade

4.      Emotions

5.      Stealing

Suggested Delivery: Whole Class

Electronic Resources:

1.   Teacher Resources: Mock Trial Information provides guides to conducting mock trials in the classroom as well as mock trial scripts.
2.   The Lemonade War Series Teacher Resources provides a book trailer and author interview for The Lemonade Crime.

Teaching Suggestions:

Key Vocabulary: Trial, jury, warrant, closing argument, defense, atonement

Reading Strategies to increase comprehension:

         Before: Teach about the basics of a trial, including jury, evidence, judge, perjury, and the idea of innocent until proven guilty.

         During: As a whole class  “jury” , after each chapter  based on the evidence and the events in the chapter, have students write a sentence stating whether Scott is guilty or not guilty and a reason why. Share. If a person changes their opinion, have them explain what evidence was so compelling to do so. Also discuss the effect that personal feelings may have on character motives throughout the book. After the trial, discuss whether they think based on the evidence the trial was had the right verdict, and based on emotions whether the trial had the right verdict.

         After: As a class, go back and outline the steps that were laid out in the book for a trial. In your classroom have a mini-trial stating with a warrant for arrest and ending with a verdict from the jury.

Writing activity demonstrating inferential comprehension:

Write a reflection on trials, if they are always fair, and whether they depend solely on evidence or whether emotions, personal feelings, and biases influence feelings of guilt or innocence. Explain belief as backed by evidence found in story and mini trial experience.