jordynkw's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Trafficking, Blood, Confinement, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
internationalkris's review against another edition
4.0
Another winner from Tara Sullivan, this time about cocoa slavery in Ivory Coast.
mbincolor's review against another edition
4.0
Books like "The Bitter Side of Sweet" make me sympathize and empathize with children who have endured hardship so that I can live my (not so) luxurious life. "The Bitter Side of Sweet" is a fictionalized tale of what is the reality for boys and girls throughout many less developed countries who are just trying to keep shelter over their head and a little food in their stomachs.
There are so many layers in this book, which is centered on the harvesting of cacao: class, gender, country of origin, kidnapping, poverty, freedom of speech, use of natural resources and forced labor.
I mean is ethical treatment something we really have to think hard about? Oh, wait... capitalism...hmm.
Despite all the hardship, mistrust and mistreatment, "The Bitter Side of Sweet" is also a tale of the power of determination, a courageous spirit, and kinship. Because this book targets the middle school student, I would say, it's a great introduction to globalization, fair trade, ethics, history, geography and informed consumerism.
There are so many layers in this book, which is centered on the harvesting of cacao: class, gender, country of origin, kidnapping, poverty, freedom of speech, use of natural resources and forced labor.
I mean is ethical treatment something we really have to think hard about? Oh, wait... capitalism...hmm.
Despite all the hardship, mistrust and mistreatment, "The Bitter Side of Sweet" is also a tale of the power of determination, a courageous spirit, and kinship. Because this book targets the middle school student, I would say, it's a great introduction to globalization, fair trade, ethics, history, geography and informed consumerism.
annebennett1957's review against another edition
4.0
Oh my. I love chocolate everything and anything but now I will have to really scrutinize my choices and just select fair trade products. Sullivan has done it again. She has alerted me to an issue getting very little attention, but one which deserves much more. I recommend this book.
ashleyb19's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
carstensena's review against another edition
5.0
This was very popular with some of the 7th graders last year so I wanted to give it a try. What an amazing story. Perfect for that age—hard hitting but details of the worst treatment left out. Excellent audio narration.
caroline_nfr's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
angstyp's review against another edition
4.0
More of a 4.5, I really enjoyed how easy of a read this was. It was quick, to the point, but still equally as powerful.
ronniewest's review against another edition
4.0
I quickly read this book about some young children being used as slave workers on a cacao farm. Books like this are always disturbing for me because they describe some of the horrible, unimaginable things that happen around the world. It was quick paced and didn’t go into details to answer every question, but it was enough.