Bloom

Content Warning: The novel depicts violence between humans and extraterrestrial plants, feelings of alienation, teenagers in foster care, physical alterations, and environmental tragedies resulting in deaths. It contains allusions to abuse, self-harm, colonialism, and serial rape by way of alien abductions resulting in pregnancy. The novel may indulge in problematic depictions of children in foster families.

On Canada’s Salt Spring Island, Anaya Riggs is a high schooler who’s allergic to everything: gluten, eggs, lactose, dust, and every kind of plant. She’s only had these allergies a couple of years, but their effects—puffy eyes, a red flaky nose, and acne—make her feel unattractive. Anaya’s beautiful mom is a pilot for Island Air. Her dad is a botanist with the Ministry of Agriculture who specializes in stopping the spread of invasive species. At school, Anaya idolizes Tereza, a cool senior who works on the yearbook with her. Tereza smokes cigarettes and has a boyfriend. She’s also kind and well-read.

In the halls, Anaya sees everyone fawning over Petra Sumner, the attractive girl with the rare allergy to water. Petra and Anaya used to be best friends, but that changed when Anaya developed her allergies and Petra abandoned her for more popular friends.