Rachel has just turned 13, and is looking forward to spending time at the lake this summer with her best friend, Micah. But the summer is unexpectedly stressful. Her parents are struggling financially (and arguing about it), and she’s trying to protect her younger sister from the family strain. Her job taking care of her wealthy neighbors’ farm animals is more challenging than she anticipated, and she doesn’t like the idea that they’re raising a pig for meat. On top of all that, Micah wants to be more than just friends, but Rachel isn’t sure she feels that way about him—or any boy. But when Micah starts to develop a crush on another girl, she’s afraid she’ll lose him as a friend.
Rachel is still figuring out her sexuality in the book, but it’s pretty clear she’s not straight. There’s a hint that she might be developing a crush on a new (girl) friend.
Author Jo Knowles tells the story through Rachel’s first-person perspective, gently but perceptively exploring the shifting emotions and relationships of one girl’s coming of age. While the book deals with some heavy issues, Knowles ends on a note that reflects the name of the family’s Bittersweet Farm, somewhat sad, but with a rising hope.
Rachel and her family read as White.
Content warning: Death of an animal.
