Bitter

Bitter is the main character of the novel. After both of her parents' deaths, Bitter enters the foster care system. She lives with families that do not love, protect, or accept her. Because she often feels afraid and alone, she learns to rely upon her artwork for comfort. When she is "six or seven," she discovers that she has the power to make her drawings come to life (17). If she drips some of her blood onto her pictures, they will come off the page and fly around the room with her. Though these creatures never last long, they make Bitter feel protected.

After years in foster care, Bitter meets Miss Virtue, who invites her to come and live at Eucalyptus, a boarding school for young artists. Eucalyptus is the first place that has ever felt like home for Bitter. She loves that she is accepted and cared for...