YA Fiction: The Summer of Bitter and Sweet by Jen Ferguson

By -
To Think About:

1. Lou, despite facing many challenges in her life, draws on those around her to find strength and joy. Who are these people and how do they support her? What are your sources of strength and joy when times are difficult for you?

2. In her Author’s Note, Jen Ferguson writes, “The most common critique of King from early readers was that he’s too good for a teenage boy. Let me tell you, I have no regrets. King’s goodness, his kindness, his heart, those are his superpowers.” (p. 363). What do you think about this? Do you have anyone in your life with “superpowers”?

3. Much of The Summer of Bitter and Sweet focuses on Lou’s job in the Michif Creamery. How would you describe Lou’s feelings about working there? How do Lou’s feelings compare to yours about your part-time work or volunteer experiences?

4. Lou spends much of The Summer of Bitter and Sweet fretting about losing her family’s farm and land. Why does she value them so much? What connections do you feel to the places around you?

5. In her Acknowledgements at the end of the book, Jen Ferguson thanks “the people who I do this work for, the ones I’m always advocating for: my students and the BIPOC and queer teens of the world. You are loved, you are cared for, you are, as they say, your ancestors’ wildest dreams, and I thank you for everything you’re doing to make this world one where everyone can thrive” (p. 371). What books have you read that you felt were written for you? What effect did that have on you?

Comments

Post a Comment

Thank you for engaging in thoughtful & respectful dialogue about what you are reading.

Popular posts from this blog

YA Fiction: A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin

By -
Image
To Think About: 1. In the beginning of A Magic Steeped in Poison , we learn “the true wielders of Shénnóng magic have their unique specialties. Some brew teas for emotions – compassion, hope, love. Others are able to imbue the body with energy or encourage the drinker to remember something long thought lost.” If you are a wielder of tea magic, what sort of magic would you hope to specialize in? Why? 2. Ning’s connection with her family, especially her sister Shu, motivates her even while she encounters challenges in her journey. How is her relationship with her various family members described in the book? How did her time spent in the palace affect her perception of her family? 3. There are many different types of interactions with women of all ages portrayed in Magic Steeped in Poison . How do these women help or hinder Ning’s journey? 4. Who is your favorite character in A Magic Steeped in Poison ? Why? Is there something about yourself that you find relatable to this charac...
Read more

YA Fantasy: Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

By -
Image
To Think About: 1) The world of Huaxia is tinged with violence, sacrifice, and cruelty as humanity struggles to survive the attacks of the Hunduns. The book especially focuses on gendered violence and the willingness of society to allow female pilots to die in order for the male pilot to survive. Did the levels of violence within the book shock you? Was there any point where you were stunned by the actions of a character? 2) Zetian does not have a good relationship with her family, with the exception of her older sister. Her parents focus on her brother who will carry on the family name and do not see a problem with selling Zetian and her sister into servitude as concubines to a pilot for cash. Do you feel that Zetian’s actions in the book are justified considering how she has been treated? 3) The pilots of Huaxia are treated similar to real world movie stars. They are followed by cameras, interviewed by reporters, their fights with the Hunduns are televised for all to see, an...
Read more