Bittersweet in the Hollow

About this book

In this beautifully dark and enthralling YA, four sisters with unusual talents investigate a mysterious disappearance in their secluded Appalachian town. For fans of House of Hollow and Wilder Girls! In rural Caball Hollow, surrounded by the vast National Forest, the James women serve up more than fried green tomatoes at the Harvest Moon diner, where the family recipes are not the only secrets. Like her sisters, Linden was born with an unusual ability. She can taste what others are feeling, but this so-called gift soured her relationship with the vexingly attractive Cole Spencer one fateful night a year ago . . . A night when Linden vanished into the depths of the Forest and returned with no memories of what happened, just a litany of questions—and a haze of nightmares that suggest there’s

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Why widely assigned

This Young Adult Fiction title, typically at grades 9–12. Published in the canon; cited across 1 curriculum framework.

Where this book is assigned

• South Carolina Young Adult Book Award

  • recommended·9th grade · South Carolinasource: South Carolina Young Adult Book Award (South Carolina Association of School Librarians) — 2025-2026 nominees, grades 9-12; SC students read the slate and vote. Nominee list via the SC State Library StudySC portal + SCASL. — 2025-2026 nominee
  • recommended·10th grade · South Carolinasource: South Carolina Young Adult Book Award (South Carolina Association of School Librarians) — 2025-2026 nominees, grades 9-12; SC students read the slate and vote. Nominee list via the SC State Library StudySC portal + SCASL. — 2025-2026 nominee
  • recommended·11th grade · South Carolinasource: South Carolina Young Adult Book Award (South Carolina Association of School Librarians) — 2025-2026 nominees, grades 9-12; SC students read the slate and vote. Nominee list via the SC State Library StudySC portal + SCASL. — 2025-2026 nominee
  • recommended·12th grade · South Carolinasource: South Carolina Young Adult Book Award (South Carolina Association of School Librarians) — 2025-2026 nominees, grades 9-12; SC students read the slate and vote. Nominee list via the SC State Library StudySC portal + SCASL. — 2025-2026 nominee

Common questions

What grade level is Bittersweet in the Hollow?

Bittersweet in the Hollow is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 9–12. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.

How long does it take to read Bittersweet in the Hollow?

It takes about 7h 5m to read Bittersweet in the Hollow (385 pages) at an average adult reading pace of about 250 words per minute — roughly 425 minutes. Faster or slower readers will vary; the estimate is a planning guide for assigning the book.

What curricula assign Bittersweet in the Hollow?

Bittersweet in the Hollow appears on reading lists for South Carolina Young Adult Book Award. Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.

Is Bittersweet in the Hollow banned in schools?

Bittersweet in the Hollow does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.