Graphic Novel Review – Bloom by Kevin Panetta, Savanna Ganucheau (4.5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Graphic Novel/Contemporary Fiction
Length: 368 pages
Publisher: First Second
Release Date: January 29, 2019
ISBN-13: 978-1250196910
Stand Alone or Series: Stand Alone
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

“Now that high school is over, Ari is dying to move to the big city with his ultra-hip band―if he can just persuade his dad to let him quit his job at their struggling family bakery. Though he loved working there as a kid, Ari cannot fathom a life wasting away over rising dough and hot ovens. But while interviewing candidates for his replacement, Ari meets Hector, an easygoing guy who loves baking as much as Ari wants to escape it. As they become closer over batches of bread, love is ready to bloom . . . that is, if Ari doesn’t ruin everything.”

I have wanted to read this graphic novel for some time and was excited to see it at the library. This ended up being a sweet, engaging, and heartfelt read that I enjoyed a lot.

Ari desperately wants to move to the city with his band, but his dad desperately needs Ari’s help to keep the family bakery going Ari decides to hire a replacement to help his dad, after a bunch of absolutely awful interviews he meets Hector. Hector absolutely loves baking and having Hector around might be even better for Ari than he knows.

This was a very cute, funny, and sweet book about Ari trying to figure out what he wants out of life. I loved all the baking in here and the way that Ari’s family interacts. Ari can be annoying at times but he is also very sincere. Hector is another amazing character and the pure joy he brings to the bakery is fun to watch.

The illustration was unique, fun to look at, and easy to follow. I enjoyed both the illustration and the story a lot.

Overall this was a wonderful, feel good graphic novel about finding your way and falling in love. I loved a lot of the elements around baking, family, and love that featured in this book. I would recommend to those who enjoy sweet books about family and falling in love and don’t mind GLBT content.