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Bittersweet Summer
It's a strange summer for Katie Jordan. Her neighbor Claire is scheming again. Her best friend is away. Her dad says they might have to move. And on top of everything, her mom's country music show is coming to town. This funny, tender novel about friendships, family, and changing lives is a sequel to Turkey Monster Thanksgiving and Tails of Spring Break.
- GenresMiddle Grade
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
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33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 25, 2015
A delightful, light read that both tickles your funny one and tugs at your heart strings as you pull for each characters' dreams to fall into place.
March 20, 2019
This is the third book in the series about Katie Jordan. It was also the first book that I read from the series. I don’t think that it is necessary to have read the other two books to understand and follow this book. I honestly didn’t realize that there were other books until after I had finished this one.
In this book, Katie has just finished fourth grade and her best friend is away visiting family. As she starts the summer Katie is uncertain about what it is going to bring. Throughout the summer she has to deal with her neighbor and somewhat friend Claire trying to scheme, her family possibly moving to Portland, and seeing her mother after not seeing her for a while.
I really enjoyed the story and I think there was good character development as Katie struggles to learn what bittersweet means and letting go of some of the things that she wishes for.
In this book, Katie has just finished fourth grade and her best friend is away visiting family. As she starts the summer Katie is uncertain about what it is going to bring. Throughout the summer she has to deal with her neighbor and somewhat friend Claire trying to scheme, her family possibly moving to Portland, and seeing her mother after not seeing her for a while.
I really enjoyed the story and I think there was good character development as Katie struggles to learn what bittersweet means and letting go of some of the things that she wishes for.
May 3, 2018
Amazing
Just amazing! I absolutely loved this book. It took me 1 day to read. Love love love it. Thank you
Just amazing! I absolutely loved this book. It took me 1 day to read. Love love love it. Thank you
February 26, 2012
So you would think the last day of school would be celebratory but not for Katie Jordan because her former fourth grade teacher was the best teacher ever. Everybody's crying all over the place hugging Ms. Morgan. She's telling them everything special that she will miss about them. Katie's worried that she won't say anything nice about her. After all she's always messing things up. But Ms. Morgan is not like that and after reassuring everyone that they'll still be able to see her they all head off towards home which is also a teary procession for Katie because her best friend Sierra is going away this summer to her grandmother's house in Seattle. That means she's stuck with Claire. A forced friendship by their dad's since they live across the street from one another. Claire has a big summer project coming up--she's going to get Ms. Morgan to marry her dad. Katie doesn't know how to feel. She does have a mother but she's never home and is always singing in concerts but she still loves her and always talks likes she's there at night. But then again Ms. Morgan would be the best mother. Not only does she have to deal with Clair's summer project, not being able to see Sierra, but also she might have to move to Portland two hours away!
Well Katie Jordan was a well likable character. I felt really bad for her and her younger brother that their mother was never there for them. And then the brother, Tyler, got books from the library about animals looking for their mother. He would suck his thumb and say that baby is looking for his mother. Such a heart breaker! I thought Katie was selfish at times. I knew it was probably accurate how a kid would act at that age but sheesh. With the dog? So selfish. All the other times I felt sorry for her and genuinely liked her.
Claire... Claire, Claire, Claire, Claire, Claire.... I tried to forgive you some because you are smart enough to realize that blue is the best color out there. But boy you are sooo mean. You would want to roll your eyes at her too if you knew about her. She's a neat freak when it comes to anything basically. A rude neat freak and I hated the way she looked down at people. You're 10! You can't be acting like that at that age. Can you? I thought that Katie and her had an up and down relationship but I maybe saw one up so I don't really know anymore. They were both acting their age I know with the jealously and selfishness but still.... Anyways it did prove to be a really great book. Very realistic and it touched down on serious issues like her mother never being there. As you can tell I really got into it. It was better than I expected. It's worth reading.
http://shesgotbooksonhermind.blogspot...
Well Katie Jordan was a well likable character. I felt really bad for her and her younger brother that their mother was never there for them. And then the brother, Tyler, got books from the library about animals looking for their mother. He would suck his thumb and say that baby is looking for his mother. Such a heart breaker! I thought Katie was selfish at times. I knew it was probably accurate how a kid would act at that age but sheesh. With the dog? So selfish. All the other times I felt sorry for her and genuinely liked her.
Claire... Claire, Claire, Claire, Claire, Claire.... I tried to forgive you some because you are smart enough to realize that blue is the best color out there. But boy you are sooo mean. You would want to roll your eyes at her too if you knew about her. She's a neat freak when it comes to anything basically. A rude neat freak and I hated the way she looked down at people. You're 10! You can't be acting like that at that age. Can you? I thought that Katie and her had an up and down relationship but I maybe saw one up so I don't really know anymore. They were both acting their age I know with the jealously and selfishness but still.... Anyways it did prove to be a really great book. Very realistic and it touched down on serious issues like her mother never being there. As you can tell I really got into it. It was better than I expected. It's worth reading.
http://shesgotbooksonhermind.blogspot...
October 5, 2016
Bittersweet Summer is the third of Anne Warren Smith’s three titles about Katie Jordan and her family. The first book, Turkey Monster Thanksgiving was originally published in 2003, and I reviewed the 2011 re-release back in May. The second book, Tails from Spring Break was published in 2005 and re-released in January 2012. This third book is a brand-new title, and will be published on March 1st.
As the book opens, Katie and her neighbor Claire, finish fourth grade and say goodbye to their beloved teacher, Ms. Morgan. Both girls loved being in Ms. Morgan’s class, but on the way home from school, Claire confides that she is going to convince her father and her teacher to fall in love. Katie, whose mother is also out of the picture due to her successful singing career, doesn’t think much of this at first, but when both girls’ families wind up on a picnic with Ms. Morgan, Katie starts to wonder why it shouldn’t be her father to fall in love with her teacher instead. In the meantime, Katie’s mom comes to town, finally bringing some semblance of closure to the absent mother story line that has run through each of the three books.
I really love the simplicity of each of the Katie Jordan stories, as well as the strong character development. The differences between Claire’s and Katie’s very different single dads validates the different types of families children might find themselves in, and the two girls’ approaches to Ms. Morgan also serve to highlight the differences in their personalities. Katie’s little brother serves as both an emotional outlet for the family’s feelings about their mother’s career on the road, as well as comic relief from time to time. I couldn’t help but be reminded of the early books and prequels in Phyllis Reynolds Naylor’s Alice series, which deal with very similar themes, right down to the idea of a dad falling in love with a teacher.
This series is perfect for third- and fourth-graders, no matter what their family make-up. Katie’s experiences mirror those of other girls her age, and her stories will quite comfortably share shelves with other 21st century chapter book heroines like Mallory McDonald, Ruby Lu, and Piper Reed.
As the book opens, Katie and her neighbor Claire, finish fourth grade and say goodbye to their beloved teacher, Ms. Morgan. Both girls loved being in Ms. Morgan’s class, but on the way home from school, Claire confides that she is going to convince her father and her teacher to fall in love. Katie, whose mother is also out of the picture due to her successful singing career, doesn’t think much of this at first, but when both girls’ families wind up on a picnic with Ms. Morgan, Katie starts to wonder why it shouldn’t be her father to fall in love with her teacher instead. In the meantime, Katie’s mom comes to town, finally bringing some semblance of closure to the absent mother story line that has run through each of the three books.
I really love the simplicity of each of the Katie Jordan stories, as well as the strong character development. The differences between Claire’s and Katie’s very different single dads validates the different types of families children might find themselves in, and the two girls’ approaches to Ms. Morgan also serve to highlight the differences in their personalities. Katie’s little brother serves as both an emotional outlet for the family’s feelings about their mother’s career on the road, as well as comic relief from time to time. I couldn’t help but be reminded of the early books and prequels in Phyllis Reynolds Naylor’s Alice series, which deal with very similar themes, right down to the idea of a dad falling in love with a teacher.
This series is perfect for third- and fourth-graders, no matter what their family make-up. Katie’s experiences mirror those of other girls her age, and her stories will quite comfortably share shelves with other 21st century chapter book heroines like Mallory McDonald, Ruby Lu, and Piper Reed.
November 9, 2011
Girls from 8-12 will love the sweet story, Bittersweet Summer. Katie’s summer isn’t starting so well. She’s sad to have to say goodbye to the fourth grade and their teacher, Ms. Morgan. She’s devastated the she’ll have to spend the first two weeks without her best friend, Sierra. She’s not quite sure she likes her neighbor, Claire Plummer’s plan to get Ms. Morgan to marry Mr. Plummer. And then her dad destroys the rest of her summer by announcing they might move to Portland.
I love how the author used her wonderfully crafted characters to deal with the multitude of emotions that girls go through. The main story revolves around Claire, Katie and Tyler, Katie’s baby brother, and how they deal with not having a mommy around. She balances the humor with the emotional aspect of the story. But I warn you, I found myself teary-eyed a time or two. She also balances reality with happily ever after. This isn’t a book where the character gets everything she wants. However, there is a feeling of “all will be well” at the end. I appreciate this, because it helps children deal with disappointments when they see how fictional characters deal with something similar to what they are going through.
I give Bittersweet Summer five stars. Your young lady will enjoy this one; make sure you add it to her shelf! It is set to release in March of 2012, and is the third novel in the series, which also include, Turkey Monster Thanksgiving and Tails of Spring Break.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I love how the author used her wonderfully crafted characters to deal with the multitude of emotions that girls go through. The main story revolves around Claire, Katie and Tyler, Katie’s baby brother, and how they deal with not having a mommy around. She balances the humor with the emotional aspect of the story. But I warn you, I found myself teary-eyed a time or two. She also balances reality with happily ever after. This isn’t a book where the character gets everything she wants. However, there is a feeling of “all will be well” at the end. I appreciate this, because it helps children deal with disappointments when they see how fictional characters deal with something similar to what they are going through.
I give Bittersweet Summer five stars. Your young lady will enjoy this one; make sure you add it to her shelf! It is set to release in March of 2012, and is the third novel in the series, which also include, Turkey Monster Thanksgiving and Tails of Spring Break.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
December 23, 2011
Nine-year-old Katie is not having a good summer. Her best friend is gone for the summer, her father is thinking about moving to another city, and her annoying neighbor Claire is determined to get their teacher to fall in love with her dad. When she and her brother get a surprise visit from their country music star mother, Katie learns what bittersweet means and what a family really is.
I found this to be a wonderful book. Although I have not read the previous books in the series, I was able to catch up quickly. The characters are well-developed and intriguing. The book deals with difficult topics like a mother who walked out on her family to pursue her dreams, moving, and family dynamics. Each topic is handled in an age-appropriate way with humor keeping the book a fun read.
I recommend this book for younger readers, and I plan to read the rest of the books in the series.
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
I found this to be a wonderful book. Although I have not read the previous books in the series, I was able to catch up quickly. The characters are well-developed and intriguing. The book deals with difficult topics like a mother who walked out on her family to pursue her dreams, moving, and family dynamics. Each topic is handled in an age-appropriate way with humor keeping the book a fun read.
I recommend this book for younger readers, and I plan to read the rest of the books in the series.
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 7, 2012
When I realized that Bittersweet Summer was the third in a series, I decided to seek out the other two. Each book is delightful with the right balance of fun and tension. Warren has a keen sense of voice. Katie's personality is distinctive and clear from the moment the story begins. I love how the author has laced real honesty in the actions of her characters. When Katie says,"As we climbed in, I hoped Clare wouldn't notice the banana peel that was stuck between the front seats." it conveys Katie's self consciousness about how "perfect" Claire is. You get a true sense of how her mind works and her unique perspective.
See my complete review here: http://soimfifty.blogspot.com/2012/02...
See my complete review here: http://soimfifty.blogspot.com/2012/02...
September 1, 2016
C's Review) I really liked Katie's story, her mom sounds very cool but I find it sad that she isn't living with her and her dad and brother. Her two friends are very different. Claire seems awful bossy. I really liked the dog that smiled too. I think this book was very good and I want to read the other stories about Katie.
(Mom's Thoughts) What a cute story, with some really great themes, We looked at different types of families, one who lost a parent, one who had a parent leave to promote a career. I think this was a great way to help readers see that there are so many different types of families. One of the themes throughout the book was of the girls attempting to find a new mother. I thought that was really open, honest and would be a great read for a girl in that situation!
(Mom's Thoughts) What a cute story, with some really great themes, We looked at different types of families, one who lost a parent, one who had a parent leave to promote a career. I think this was a great way to help readers see that there are so many different types of families. One of the themes throughout the book was of the girls attempting to find a new mother. I thought that was really open, honest and would be a great read for a girl in that situation!
February 14, 2012
It's the end of fourth grade, and Katie is dreading summer break. Her best friend is leaving town and she's stuck with her frenemy, Claire. To top off Katie's worries, there's a possibility that her family will have to move to Portland. She lives with her father and younger brother, and her mother is a famous country star who put her career and stardom before her family. Katie has an honest voice, and deals with many issues that children face including abandonment, acceptance, family relationships, and friendship. Anne Warren Smith delicately and deftly balances these weighty issues with warmth and humor. A great middle grade read.
September 7, 2012
I picked this up because it was a new release at the library. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. I really liked the voice of Katie, the main character. This was sweet story. I was surprised that this was actually the third book about Katie by this author. I think I will go look them up.
Katie was not excited for summer to start. So many things were not going her way. But as she works through the hardships she learns that sometimes things that are bitter can also be sweet.
This book is geared toward older elementary age kids, but may be a little young for tweeners.
Katie was not excited for summer to start. So many things were not going her way. But as she works through the hardships she learns that sometimes things that are bitter can also be sweet.
This book is geared toward older elementary age kids, but may be a little young for tweeners.
June 11, 2013
This realistic fiction possible WAW nominee was borderline. I guess the kids will like it since it is a short quick read, but it was about a girl's summer break starting out poorly when her best friend leaves for a couple weeks and Katie finds out her family may have to move. Then she finds out her famous country singer mother who is divorced from her dad will NOT be coming home again. So it's mostly about relationships which was not too exciting, but it was ok. I guess this will be a borderline yes for me.
February 10, 2014
I received this book for review through Netgalley.
I really liked this upper elementary/middle grade novel - I didn't realize it was actually third in a series, but I really couldn't tell - it stood alone well. The main character, Katie, was very likeable. I liked how they portrayed an unconventional family - she lived with her dad and little brother, and her mother had basically abandoned them for her music career.
I really liked this upper elementary/middle grade novel - I didn't realize it was actually third in a series, but I really couldn't tell - it stood alone well. The main character, Katie, was very likeable. I liked how they portrayed an unconventional family - she lived with her dad and little brother, and her mother had basically abandoned them for her music career.
May 3, 2012
Katie's mom's singing career is getting even more successful. Her parents have divorced, but she and her brother always hope that they will reconcile. In the meantime, Katie's fourth-grade teacher seems like a good possibility - but her neighbor across the street has the same idea. Third in a series.
May 12, 2012
Book 3 in a fun young middle grade series.
February 13, 2012
Talk About Impact!
Don't skip this one!
Don't skip this one!
February 7, 2013
love this story I want to read its so badly...:)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews