Picture a storyteller who turned sibling rivalries into lemonade-fueled adventures—meet Jacqueline Davies! Born in 1962, this American children’s author has enchanted young readers with her witty, heartfelt stories, most notably the bestselling Lemonade War series. With a knack for blending humor, math, and life lessons, Davies crafts tales that resonate with kids and adults alike, earning her a cherished spot in children’s literature.
The Making of Jacqueline Davies
Jacqueline Davies was born on July 25, 1962, in Cleveland, Ohio, to a physician father and an artistic mother. Her childhood was a whirlwind of moves—six by fifth grade—across states like Oregon, Massachusetts, and California. These relocations sharpened her observation skills, making her a keen student of human nature. At Brown University, she earned a B.A. in Creative Writing in 1984, studying under literary luminaries like poet Michael Harper. After stints in Greece, France, and corporate marketing, Davies penned her first children’s book in 1992, a quirky picture book about a discontented blowfish that never sold. Undeterred, she dove into children’s literature, finding her true calling.
Jacqueline Davies’s Unforgettable Stories
Davies’s bibliography sparkles with variety, spanning picture books, middle-grade novels, and early chapter books. Her debut novel, Where the Ground Meets the Sky (2002), is a poignant historical tale set in 1940s New Mexico, where a girl grapples with her father’s secretive work on the atomic bomb. Critics praised its suspense and emotional depth. The Lemonade War series, starting with the 2007 novel, is her crown jewel. Following siblings Evan and Jessie Treski as they battle over a lemonade stand, the series weaves entrepreneurship, fairness, and family bonds with humor. Other gems include The Boy Who Drew Birds (2004), a picture book about young John James Audubon’s love for nature, and Sydney & Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World (2021), an early chapter book celebrating friendship between a skunk and a hedgehog. Davies’s style—clear, engaging, and layered with educational nuggets—makes complex themes accessible and fun.
Her stories often draw from real-world inspirations. The Lemonade War series, for instance, reflects her fascination with sibling dynamics, while her frequent school visits keep her tuned to children’s voices. Awards like the National Science Teachers Association’s Outstanding Science Trade Book and the New York Public Library’s Best Books List honor her ability to educate and entertain.
Why Jacqueline Davies Matters
Jacqueline Davies has left an indelible mark on children’s literature by making learning irresistible. Her books don’t just tell stories—they spark curiosity about math, science, and history while tackling real emotions like rivalry and resilience. The Lemonade War series, now a graphic novel, continues to inspire young entrepreneurs and storytellers. By visiting hundreds of schools annually, Davies connects directly with her audience, fostering a love for reading and writing. Her legacy lies in showing kids that stories can be both fun and profound, encouraging them to observe the world with fresh eyes.
- Born: July 25, 1962, in Cleveland, Ohio
- Key Works: The Lemonade War, Where the Ground Meets the Sky, The Boy Who Drew Birds
- Awards: NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book, New York Public Library’s Best Books List
- Fun Fact: She wrote her first book, The Sad Shape, in kindergarten!
About Jacqueline Davies
Snag The Lemonade War and dive into Jacqueline Davies’s delightful world of wit and wisdom!