Bloom

In this warm, slice-of-life graphic novel from First Second, Kevin Panetta and Savanna Ganucheau tell the story of Ari, a young man torn between his family’s expectations and his own dreams. After a summer job at a beachside bakery introduces him to the charismatic Hector, Ari begins to question what he truly wants from life—and who he wants to share it with. With its soft, expressive art and heartfelt exploration of first love and self-discovery, Bloom captures the bittersweet ache of growing up and finding your own path.