The Lemonade Crime

“‘No fair!’ said Jessie. She pointed to the four chocolate chip cookies that her brother, Evan, was stuffing into a Ziploc bag.”

Jessie angrily notes that if Evan takes four cookies of the six in the jar, she will only receive two. This opening conversation alludes to the important and recurring theme: Justice and Fairness, around which the events of the story center. It also illustrates how Jessie focuses on small details, a trait that will lead her to feel over-confident in the trial she orchestrates.

“Jessie knew that Yom Kippur was a very serious Jewish holiday. She couldn’t remember what it was. But it was definitely serious. You were not supposed to write the word par-tay! after Yom Kippur.”

Jessie’s irritation at the word “par-tay” written on her lunch calendar characterizes her as a very serious character, skeptical of playfulness or silliness. This serious attitude influences her decision to create a courtroom and put a fellow fourth grader on trial. While well-intentioned, her seriousness sometimes complicates situations in the story.

“She had already noticed that most of the fourth grade girls didn’t carry backpacks. They carried their books and binders and water bottles and lunches in slouchy mailbags. Jessie thought those bags with stupid, the way they banged against your knees and dug into your shoulder. Backpacks were more practical.”

Jessie’s preference for a backpack over the more fashionable mailbag further characterizes her as sensible and practical. That she puts that much thought into her choice also hints at her desire to control every situation. A sensible backpack won’t slap against her; it allows her to be in control of her belongings in a way that does not injure or annoy her.