34 pages • 1 hour read
Doris Buchanan SmithA Taste of Blackberries
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1973A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
A Taste of Blackberries by Doris Buchanan Smith is a children’s book that follows the narrator and his best friend, Jamie, as they have various adventures. Jamie’s sudden, tragic death from an allergic reaction to bee stings forces the narrator to confront grief and mortality, ultimately leading him to find acceptance and a way to remember his friend while moving forward with his life. The story includes an emotional depiction of the impact of grief on children.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Doris Buchanan Smith's A Taste of Blackberries poignantly addresses the themes of friendship and grief, resonating deeply with readers of all ages. Reviewers praise its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of loss. However, some feel the narrative is too intense for younger children. Overall, a compelling, empathetic exploration of how children cope with tragedy.
Who Should Read A Taste of Blackberries?
A reader who would enjoy A Taste of Blackberries by Doris Buchanan Smith is likely a middle-grade student aged 8-12 who appreciates poignant, emotional stories about friendship and loss. Fans of Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson and Charlotte's Web by E.B. White will find similar themes and emotional depth.
RecommendedReading Age
8-12yearsLexile Level
670LBook Details
Grief / Death
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Relationships: Friendship
Life/Time: Childhood & Youth
Emotions/Behavior: Grief