Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet
on Goodreads (2,457)
What’s inside...
This is a previously-published edition of ISBN 9780316460279. A story of first love, familial expectations, the power of food, and finding where you belong. Penelope Prado has always dreamed of opening her own pastelería next to her father's restaurant, Nacho's Tacos. But her mom and dad have different plans—leaving Pen to choose between disappointing her traditional Mexican American parents or following her own path. When she confesses a secret she's been keeping, her world is sent into a tailspin. But then she meets a cute new hire at Nacho's who sees through her hard exterior and asks the questions she's been too afraid to ask herself. Xander Amaro has been searching for home since he was a little boy. For him, a job at Nacho's is an opportunity for just that—a chance at a normal life, to settle in at his abuelo's, and to find the father who left him behind. But when both the restaurant and Xander's immigrant status are threatened, he will do whatever it takes to protect his newfound family and himself. Together, Pen and Xander must navigate first love and discovering where they belong in order to save the place they all call home. This stunning and poignant novel from debut author Laekan Zea Kemp explores identity, found families and the power of food, all nestled within a courageous and intensely loyal Chicanx community.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-14
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do Pen and Xander's dreams and struggles relate to their sense of identity and family expectations?
What lessons can be learned from Xander's experiences with immigration and belonging?
How does the setting of the book, a family-owned pastry shop, enhance the story?
What does the title 'Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet' mean to you after reading the book?
How do the characters show resilience in facing their challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Identify themes in the book that resonate with your child’s experiences, and ask how they feel about them.
Discuss the significance of family and community support depicted in the book, and relate it to your child's own life.
Encourage your child to talk about their dreams and goals, drawing parallels to Pen and Xander's ambitions.
Explore the cultural aspects presented in the story, and if possible, extend the learning by trying recipes or activities related to the culture.
Highlight the importance of empathy and understanding, discussing how the characters develop these qualities throughout the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Pen, faces several challenges including family expectations and personal insecurities, yet she persists in pursuing her dreams and coping with her mental health.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through their own challenges, whether it's schoolwork, making friends, or personal goals, understanding that obstacles are a part of life but can be overcome with determination.
Example Lesson: Importance of community support
Explanation: Throughout the book, Pen finds solace and strength in her community, including friends and local business owners, who rally to support her endeavors and personal growth.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to value and seek support from their own community, be it family, friends, or local groups, understanding the strength that lies in collective encouragement and help.
Example Lesson: Embracing cultural identity
Explanation: Pen proudly reflects her Mexican heritage in her cooking and relationships, demonstrating a strong connection to her cultural roots.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to explore and take pride in their own heritage, understanding that their cultural background is an integral part of their identity and contributes to the diverse world around them.
Example Lesson: Navigating family expectations
Explanation: Pen struggles with her family's expectations of her future career, which teaches readers about the challenges of familial pressure and the importance of following one’s own path.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to communicate openly with their parents about their interests and aspirations and to understand that their personal happiness and choices are important.
Example Lesson: Mental health awareness
Explanation: Pen's journey includes managing her depression, which is portrayed with sensitivity and realism, promoting an understanding of mental health issues.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of mental health and the importance of seeking help and speaking up about their feelings, fostering an environment where mental well-being is prioritized and destigmatized.