Whatever happened to LaVaughn and Jolly? The characters we became so closely tied to in Virginia Euwer Wolff's Make Lemonade. Well "This Full House" provides the conclusions we have been searching for about the success (or failure) of the lives of Lavaughn and Jolly. The story begins with LaVaughn, who has decided to enter a Women in Medical Science, WIMS, program to pursue her dream of entering college, but also to study science and medicine. For more information on real life WIMS programs click here: http://www.worldbook.com/wb/Students?content_spotlight/wscimed. This program is run by Dr. Moore, a woman who has dedicated her life to medicine and wants to offer young girls the chance to succeed.While finishing her last year of high school LaVaughn is enrolled in the WIMS program, has a job in the local hospital, and continues to watch Jolly's kids while she studies for the G.E.D. LaVaughn is beginning to see things from a new perspective and realizes that college is definitely a possibility for her now. As the book moves along LaVaughn comes to another shocking realization...she may have found Jolly's biological mother. So, LaVaughn dedicates herself to solving this mystery and we, as readers, figure it out right along with her.
If you liked Make Lemonade, then you will absolutely love This Full House. All of the loose ends of Jolly's life are finally discovered in a shocking and unbelievable twist that left me stunned! The continual struggles of Jolly have obvious appeal to young adult readers, because they are finally able to see Jolly's strength and her ability to overcome everything that was thrown her way. LaVaughn also provides an amazing example of perseverance, never giving up on her own dreams, while still being able to help others. I think that this book would create some very interesting classroom discussion about future goals, struggles, and ways in which to overcome those struggles.
For another opinion check out this review from the Washington Post at:
For a young adult perspective on this book check out this review:
For more information on the Make Lemonade trilogy, click here:
7 comments:
Oh, wow! I did not realize there was a sequel to Make Lemonade! Thank you so much for reading it an writing this review! (And thank you so much for not spoiling the ending!) So would you say that both Make Lemonade as well as this sequel would be appropriate for all high schoolers? Or would you perhaps only recommend it to juniors and seniors? Personally, I would have recommended Make Lemonade to all high schoolers, but I am curious as to whether or not this one would also fall in that category?
I think that all high schoolers could read this book as well! The message is just as strong in this book as Make Lemonade and I think it could be really beneficial to all high schoolers.
In the end of Make Lemonade, LaVaughn was really no longer involved in Jolly's life at least in terms to the extent that she was before. In this new book, how did she get back into it? The cover of this book is really interesting and I'm curious as to its significance.
I can wait to read this book to find out whatever happened to Jolly and Lavaughn!! Although you did not give the ending it seems this book ends even better than the first with both young women a few steps closer to reaching their dreams. After reading you post I agree that all high schoolers could handle Make Lemonade so it makes sense that they would be able to handle this book as well.
I have to say I was very excited when I found out that this was a sequel to Make Lemonade! I can not wait to find out what the book is about and read it!
We left with LaVaughn leaving Jolly and the book almost ending with some very loose ends. I found myself questioning what the book was all about and if the characters just let go or would come back together. Seems as though this second book might answer all these questions. Maybe LaVaughn and Jolly's lives really are intertwined.
I didn't realize that Make Lemonade was a trilogy. Thanks for this insightful review I definitely want to know what happened and am going to get this and find out.
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