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

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?