The Summer of Bitter and Sweet

About this book

In this complex and emotionally resonant novel about a Métis 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.One summer to figure out her heart, her future, and the secrets her family has been keeping. Asexual Representation: A moving, nuanced exploration of asexuality as Lou navigates a relationship that feels wrong and a friendship that feels unexpectedly right. Friends to Lovers: She needs her former best friend King back in her life, but as they rediscover their bond, Lou must decide if she's willing to risk their friendship for something more. Powerful Indigenous Voices: A poignant YA contemporary novel about a Métis teen grappling with identity, community, and the weight of generational trauma. Forced Proximity: Trapped in the family's ice-cream shack for the summer with her ex and her old best friend, Lou finds that close quarters can lead to complicated feelings.