654.Resource, Gordon, The Lemonade Club: Mentor Text for Social Skills (Grades 3-5)

The theme of Social Skills refers to the prosocial skills that are a prerequisite for developing relationships. The skills include effective communication, sharing, teamwork, empathy, respect, generosity and building relationships.

It starts as a great school year for Traci and her friend Marilyn. Soon, however, the fifth-grade class learns to deal with the cancer of their classmate, and then their teacher, Miss Wichelman. She has prepared them well, stressing that “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” In a display of teamwork, the whole class, demonstrates their support for Marilyn. When the teacher learns she has cancer, she turns to Marilyn. The book is a celebration of empathy and building relationships.

Heart of Georgia RESA teachers may request a free copy of the book to use with their classes by listening to the short VoiceThread about the book, reading a brief handout that includes the ELA standards and suggested strategies for using the mentor text, and completing a request form.