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Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet

I’m Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter meets Emergency Contact in this stunning Pura Belpré Honor Book about 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.

Trade Paperback / ISBN-13: 9780316460293

Regular Price $10.99

Regular Price $14.99 CAD

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About the Author

NOVL - Headshot photo of Laekan Zea Kemp


Laekan Zea Kemp
 is the Pura Belpré Honor author of Somewhere Between Bitter and SweetHeartbreak Symphony, and Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza. Her work celebrates Chicane grit, resilience, creativity, and joy while exploring themes of identity and mental health. She lives in Austin, Texas. Laekan invites you to visit her at laekanzeakemp.com or follow her on Twitter @LaekanZeaKemp.

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From NOVL Nation

“This is a fantastic coming of age story that really dives into the importance of family and culture.”

– Toya, @thereadingchemist

 “Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet  is the book equivalent of a mug of hot chocolate, or inside jokes with your best friend – just completely warm and comforting and delicious. Truly cannot recommend it enough.”

– Jamie, @jlew8

“Xander and Pen felt so genuine and real, as well as those characters around them – this book really brought this world to life, and I loved every second spent in it.”

– Olivia, @onemused

The NOVL Blog, Featured Image for Article: Read It and Eat It: Somewhere Between Bitter and Cocada

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