Bloom

by Kevin Panetta and Savanna Ganucheau

After graduating high school, all Ari wants is to leave his small, coastal hometown... read more

After graduating high school, all Ari wants is to leave his small, coastal hometown and head to Baltimore with his bandmates so that they can pursue a career in music. But Ari’s family’s Greek bakery is struggling, and his strict but loving dad insists Ari stay to help. Angry but undaunted, Ari begins searching for his replacement. They hire Hector, a young Samoan American who is spending the summer in town to deal with his recently deceased grandmother’s belongings. Hector is easygoing, friendly, and passionate about baking. Needing little instruction, he quickly makes himself right at home in the bakery, although he struggles to fit in with Ari’s group of friends. Initially self-absorbed and sullen, Ari slowly gains perspective throughout the summer as he works hard in the bakery, gains new respect for his parents, learns to distance himself from a toxic person in his life, and spends time with Hector. A sweet love story between the two unfolds in a graphic novel that provides a realistic portrayal of working teens. (Ages 13 and older)

© Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2020

show less

10 Total Resources 4 Awards View Text Complexity Discover Like Books