Reviews

The Bitter Side of Sweet by Tara Sullivan

sarahanne8382's review against another edition

4.0

Sullivan tells the story of a 15-year-old Amadou who, with his little brother, Seydou, has been toiling away on a cacao farm for 2 years. They've been told they'll be free to leave when they earn back the money spent on transporting, housing, and feeding them. Except they don't know how much they make or even how much they owe.

When a girl is sent to the camp by herself, Amadou's life quickly begins to change as she brings the glimmer of hope that he may be able to change his life for the better.

It was shocking to learn how most cacao is farmed, and also the difficult lives children like Amadou and Seydou face. He describes modest comforts like glass windows and the ability to attend school as luxuries. Definitely a good read for gaining an international perspective. I can't even begin to process how this book will affect my chocolate consumption.

hayleybeale's review against another edition

4.0

Set in Cote d’Ivoire, this riveting novel brings to immediate life the horrors of cacao farming with child slaves. The author does not spare us any of the brutality (though it is implied or happens off stage) but does leave the characters with hope. Ideal for teens interested in social justice. Reviewed from an ARC. See my full review here.

michelle_dase's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

enokorantema's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative sad tense fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

alabooks's review against another edition

4.0

A wonderful book exploring the child labor problems in the chocolate industry. It has opened up my students to understanding that consumerism has dark sides and has led to some great conversations on manipulation of power and the dark side of different industries around the world, including ones in the United States. It's fast paced, keeps students engaged, and tells the story of the unfortunate circumstances of children around the world.

teresa_a's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

marym2215's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.5

vll295's review against another edition

3.0

This is the story of Amalou and his brother Seydou. They work every day at the plantation under pressure to provide for the bosses. Meanwhile, they dream about the days when their debt will be paid and they will be able to go home. One day they meet Khahija, who changes their life. She reminds them what it is like to be on the other side and free. They make a plan to escape. I don’t want to spoil what happens, but it is certainly quite the story.

The book was an interesting read, with characters that stick with you. The plot is one that keeps you wanting to read more and know what will happen. I would recommend this book for people who are interested in adventure.

tasha_'s review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful informative sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

storywarden's review against another edition

5.0

It's not that I was unaware that chocolate was farmed by people in terrible conditions. It's not that I didn't care. I just bought chocolate at the store like I didn't know or care. But here's the power of fiction - now, after reading this book, I really think about where my chocolate comes from and if I can make a purchase that doesn't support child slave labor. A well written narrative with compelling characters has that effect on me.