The Summer of Bitter and Sweet (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780063086166)

In this complex and emotionally resonant novel about a M騁is girl living on the Canadian prairies, debut author Jen Ferguson serves up a powerful story about rage, secrets, and all the spectrums that make up a person--and the sweetness that can still live alongside the bitterest truth. A William C. Morris Award Honor Book and a Stonewall Award Honor Book!

Lou has enough confusion in front of her this summer. She'll be working in her family's ice-cream shack with her newly ex-boyfriend--whose kisses never made her feel desire, only discomfort--and her former best friend, King, who is back in their Canadian prairie town after disappearing three years ago without a word.

But when she gets a letter from her biological father--a man she hoped would stay behind bars for the rest of his life--Lou immediately knows that she cannot meet him, no matter how much he insists.

While King's friendship makes Lou feel safer and warmer than she would have thought possible, when her family's business comes under threat, she soon realizes that she can't ignore her father forever.

The Heartdrum imprint centers a wide range of intertribal voices, visions, and stories while welcoming all young readers, with an emphasis on the present and future of Indian Country and on the strength of young Native heroes. In partnership with We Need Diverse Books.

Author: Jen Ferguson
ISBN-10: 0063086166
ISBN-13: 9780063086166
Publisher: Heartdrum
Language: English
Published: 05/10/2022
Pages: 384
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 8.10h x 5.40w x 1.30d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.2
Point Value: 13
Interest Level: Upper Grade
Quiz #/Name: 518429 / Summer of Bitter and Sweet

Award: Stonewall Book Award - Honor Book
Award: William C. Morris YA Debut Award - Honor Book

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2022
Publishers Weekly 04/11/2022
Booklist 05/01/2022 pg. 41
Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2022 pg. 143
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 06/01/2022
School Library Journal 09/01/2022 pg. 114
BookPage 05/01/2022
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2022 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style