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.

This poignant and award-winning novel is perfect for readers who love:

Asexual & Demisexual Representation: A heartfelt exploration of identity as Lou navigates her discomfort with physical intimacy and realizes she might be on the asexual spectrum.
Second Chance Summer Romance: When her former best friend King returns to town, old feelings spark, offering Lou a chance at a relationship built on trust and understanding, not expectation.
Powerful Métis Protagonist: A story that centers a proud, complex Métis teen grappling with her family’s past and her own future on the Canadian prairies.
Healing from Generational Trauma: Lou must confront the shadow of her biological father and the trauma that has shaped her family, all while fighting for their ice cream business and her own peace.
Small Town Ice Cream Shop Setting: Set against the backdrop of a family-run ice cream shack, this summer job becomes the stage for life-altering secrets, first love, and deep healing.

The Summer of Bitter and Sweet

The Summer of Bitter and Sweet