Bloom by Kevin Panetta + Savannah Ganucheau

Hardcover, 368 pages, ISBN 1626726418
Expected publication: January 29, 2019 by First Second

I received this book from the publisher for review.

From the writer of Zodiac Starforce and popular illustrator Savannah Ganucheau comes a sweet story of young love, entirely illustrated in a beautiful soft blue.

High school has just ended, and Ari spends his days dreaming of moving to the city with his indie pop band, if only his dad will let him. His father expects him to take over the family business, a struggling bakery in their small coastal town. Ari has no interest of staying, that is until he meets Hector while interviewing people to hire in his place. Hector is sweet and funny, and an incredibly talented culinary student. He moved to town to help clean out his late grandmother’s home and needs a job in the meantime, so he begins at the bakery. Ari and Hector’s romance is slow to start, filled with hidden glances and blushing moments shared during their hours at the bakery. When the choices Ari makes threatens their relationship, he must learn about the consequences of his choices, and about how sometimes he must rely on loved ones to help him grow.

Bloom explores the experience of wanting to get out of your hometown to pursue your passion while also being held back by familial obligations, with the added aspect of a budding relationship and first love thrown in the mix. It’s a heartfelt story, lovingly illustrated, and full of dreamy bakery scenes and small moments of young love. Ari’s journey of figuring out what to do with his life and what to do when you fall in love is relatable for many readers, especially teens.

I LOVED THIS BOOK PLEASE READ IT!!