Lemons by Melissa Savage

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What do you do when you lose everything that means anything?

Ten-year old Lemonade Liberty Witt doesn’t know the answer to that question, except what her mom taught her. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. But what if those lemons are so big that you forget how?

How do you make lemonade out of having to leave everything you know in San Francisco to move to the small town of Willow Creek, California and live with a grandfather you’ve never even met? In a town that smells like grass and mud and bugs. With tall pines instead of skyscrapers and dirt instead of sidewalks. Not to mention one woolly beast lurking in the woods.

That’s right, Bigfoot.

A ginormous wooden statue of the ugly thing stands right at the center of town like he’s someone real important, like the mayor or something. And the people here actually believe he’s real and hiding somewhere out in the pine filled forests.

How can anyone possibly be expected to make lemonade out those rotten lemons?

Everything is different and Lem just wants to go back home. And then she meets Tobin Sky, the CEO of Bigfoot Detectives, Inc. and sole investigator for the town. He invites her to be his Assistant for the summer and she reluctantly agrees. At least until she can figure out her escape plan.

Together, Lem and Tobin try to capture a shot of the elusive beast on film and end up finding more than they ever could have even imagined.

Bigfoot books are my weakness.

And now you’re sitting there going, wait, Bigfoot BOOKS? Yes, bookS. I’ve found 4 so far, and I’m still on the hunt for more along with the actual furry creature. I went middle grade for this one, and it was adorable and Bigfooty and actually really emotional???

This was pretty young of a read, but it was still quite appealing to those that love them some Bigfoot aka ME. I did find myself a few times blinking at the book because it really did sound like a 10 year old, but it was realistic in that aspect. However, being in YA and some adult for so long, it did feel a bit jarring. But for the most part, it felt like it be a read for anyone.

I thought this was going to be a light, fun read with two adorable little kids looking for Bigfoot – and that’s what it is for the most part. However, it also gets really deep and emotional at time – far greater than what Lemons was selling me from that cute cover. Our main character, Lemonade is still reeling from the death of her mother and being forced to move in with a grandfather she never knew. She meets Bigfoot Detective, Tobin, who is still dealing with the aftermath of his missing father who became MIA in the Vietname War. They are both two kids who are lost and have a lot of anger and emotions, and find each other through each other and finding Bigfoot (which is my favorite show – LOOK WHAT I DID THERE).

I loved the characters, too. Lemondate and Tobin were both great and adorable and so much love. I loved going on their journey. Charlie was amazing and Debbie was great and MRS DICKERSON WHO WAS THE MOST ADORABLE LITTLE OLD LADY AND REMINDED ME OF MY GRAMS SO MUCH AND I WANT HER IN MY LIFE. Ugh, they were wonderful and just so cute.

Tiana is thinking lemon cake sounds pretty good right now!

The Bigfoot content was brilliant as well. It felt realistic and some good Bigfoot moments. I mean, LOTS OF BIGFOOT MOMENTS AND I WAS IN BIGFOOT HEAVEN AND LITERALLY THERE WAS THIS MOMENT WHERE TOBIN IS LIKE, BIGFOOT WOULD NEVER EAT A TWINKIE AND I HAD FLASHBACKS TO MY LOVE, BOBO, FROM FINDING BIGFOOT WHO PUT OUT DONUTS FOR BIGFOOT AND I WAS IN MY HAPPY BIGFOOT ZONE. Also, I’m now concerned about myself. Please send help.

Overall, if you’re looking for a new middle grade book that takes on adorable preteens looking for a brilliant furry creature while tackling some deep things, this is ittttttttttt. It’s fun. It’s emotional. It has some great characters. AND BIGFOOT. 5 crowns and a Tiana rating!

What do you think? Are you into Bigfoot books – or what is your weakness? Do you have some great middle grade recs for me? Do you think Bigfoot would eat Twinkies??? Let’s discuss in the comments below!