Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet

By: Laekan Zea Kemp

Narrated by: Andy Aragón, Arami Malaise´

I'm Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter meets Emergency Contact in this stunning 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 discover 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.

©2021 Laekan Zea Kemp (P)2021 Little, Brown Young Readers

Critic reviews

"Wonderfully realized characters, a vibrant setting, and so much more. I loved this." (Melina Marchetta, award-winning author of Jellicoe Road)

"Pen and Xander will steal your heart. One to savor." (Laura Taylor Namey, author of A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow)

"A bold new voice to watch in children's fiction." (Eric Smith, author of Don't Read the Comments)

A tale of family, love & reaching for dreams

I enjoyed the tale of Pen and her family’s taco restaurant, which serves as an anchor of security in a Hispanic neighborhood. Enter a young man, in country illegally, searching for the father who abandoned him. The story unwinds with rich characters, twists and turns, and inspiring action on the part of the characters. And also finding love and self. I think you’ll enjoy it too!

great story of belonging

This is a great story of growing up, finding inner strength and a sense of community.

great coming if age story

written from a cultural perspective!
Family, business, Crime, love, separation and in reunion in in the face of tragic loss.

Heart warming

All the feelings with this book. Loved the authenticity and the Mexican and Tex mex culture woven in

Just ok

The person that wrote this has never owned or run a restaurant. Most of the shenanigans that went on would never happen in real life. Story was pretty good but could have been SO much better! The timeline seemed wonky with two days taking up 10 chapters and then a month goes by in no time. Lots of loose ends!

Exceptionally Excellent

I'm not sure which qualities hooked me, but I loved this novel. Beautiful characters, engaging story and a bit of excitement!

The family dynamics

I enjoyed the story and getting to see everyone’s back story unfold. A good story about how not every family/friends is not perfect but they are always there for you in the end.

Great story!

Loved the characters!!! I loved it all!!!! Great story of coming of age and the struggle of family.

Family,Strength, and Self Discovery

This a beautiful story told in two voices that need to heard and yet are too often ignored. This story will hook you in with motifs of family, chosen family, community, love and self discovery. A love story that faces internal, & external conflicts and social questions that will keep you invested. The performances of the two readers bring the story to life.

Impressive

The author drew me into community with the characters and their plight. I found myself concerned about how much this fiction imitated fact. I look forward to the next installment.