Read, Discuss, and Do with MARI IN THE MARGINS

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By Marci Whitehurst The best books make readers feel like they aren’t alone. They’re seen. Understood. Our very own  Rebecca J. Gomez  accomplishes this flawlessly in Mari in the Margins , her new middle grade novel in verse, published by Bandersnatch Books. It releases May 14 th !  Here’s a snippet about the novel, which you’ll surely want to READ:   For Marivel Jiménez, life in her big family is full of chaos. Feeling overlooked by her parents and overshadowed by her siblings is frustrating, and it's even worse to have the constant attention of her annoying, mischievous three-year-old sister, Susana.  Caught between her need to be noticed and her dream of having time to herself, Marivel pours herself into poetry and, eventually, art journaling. When she hears of a school-wide poetry contest, she sees winning as a chance to escape the margins of her family and finally be seen. Doesn’t that sound amazing? That’s because it is. I was honored to read the book ahead of its release—and
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COOLER THAN LEMONADE Review and Activity

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by Rebecca J. Gomez

This week's Summer Challenge is Beat the Heat, and what better way to beat the heat than with a cold, tasty treat? Even better if you can share it with your neighbors and maybe learn a little bit about running a business in the process. 

Read: COOLER THAN LEMONADE by Harshita Jerath, illustrated by Chloe Burgett

When everyone in the neighborhood is trying their best to beat the heat, Eva gets an idea to open a lemonade stand! But she isn't prepared for the challenges that come from competition when her neighbor Jake opens one too...until she gets an idea that is even cooler than lemonade. This book is colorful and fun, with a savvy, determined protagonist whose story will teach the unsuspecting reader about dreaming up big ideas and making them happen, even in the face of challenges.

Discuss:

  • In the beginning of the story, how are Eva and her brother and neighbors trying to beat the heat?
  • Have you ever had a lemonade stand? Talk about your experience.
  • In the end, Eva makes a treat that is "cooler than lemonade." What beat-the-heat treat do YOU think is even better than lemonade?
  • What are some other ideas for things you could sell at a summer stand besides lemonade?

Do:

There is a recipe at the end of the book for kulfi, an Indian dessert similar to ice cream. Make the recipe with your family and/or friends for a special beat the heat treat. 

Here's another idea: Set up a treat stand of your own! Here are some tips on making it a success:

  • Make a big sign that people can see from the street. Be sure it says what you're selling and the price. It may also help to make another sign or two directing people your way, like in the photo of my son below.
  • Keep your prices low (but not too low). 
  • Offer more than one flavor.
  • Don't worry about being too fancy. Drink mixes work just as well as fresh lemonade. And store bought popsicles are great too!
  • If you're doing popsicles or another frozen treat, keep some of it on ice in a cooler, but keep the rest inside in a freezer and replenish your stock as necessary.
  • Keep beverages cold. Canned drinks can be kept in a cooler with ice. Try using reusable ice cubes to keep lemonade or other drinks cold without getting watered down. Or, pour it over ice when you serve it.
  • If possible, set up your lemonade stand on the corner to get more visibility.
  • Is someone you know having a yard sale? Ask them if you can set up your stand in their driveway! 
  • Keep plenty of change on hand.
  • Be cheerful and welcoming. Everyone loves great customer service!
My son when he was little, holding up the lemonade sign 
he made all by himself! 





Comments

Mindy Baker said…
What a perfect book and activity for the theme! So creative! Love it!
July 5, 2023 at 9:59 AM
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