The Language of Flowers

The Language of Flowers (2011) by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. In this book, Diffenbaugh tells the story of Victoria, a girl who has been bounced from foster home to foster home throughout her life, but who also has an extraordinary talent for interpreting the "language of flowers." When she finally, last chance, ends up in a foster home where she is wanted and loved, she sabotages her chances and ends up in a group home. After aging out of the group home, she is briefly homeless -- until she connects with the owner of a flower shop, who recognizes her talent and gives her a chance to build a life for herself. Constantly sabotaging herself, unable to accept love, Victoria will break your heart. But then, in the book's finale, she and the other characters will stitch it back together. Sometimes this book is hard to read, but it ends up being very rewarding. Grade: A-