Books Like Sweet-and-Sour Summer
Families who loved Sweet-and-Sour Summer by Diane Muldrow often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Sweet-and-Sour Summer by Diane Muldrow often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their child is facing the first summer where 'the group' begins to splinter, or when a child feels left behind as peers move on to more mature responsibilities. It captures the bittersweet reality of growing up and realizing that even the closest friendships must navigate changes in schedule, interests, and individual growth. The story follows the Chef Girls as they face a summer of separation. While some members are busy with summer jobs or traveling, others struggle with the quiet and the fear that their shared passion for cooking and their tight-knit bond are fading. It is a gentle, realistic exploration of identity beyond a group dynamic, making it an excellent choice for children aged 8 to 12 who are navigating the social shifts of late elementary and early middle school.
