Bloom: The Surprising Seeds of Sorrel Fallowfield
What’s inside...
A beautifully written, incredibly original and wickedly funny novel for readers of 10 and older - BLOOM is for everyone who has ever felt like they didn't fit in, and for anyone who has ever wanted a little more colour and wildness in their lives. Sorrel Fallowfield is growing up in a REALLY surprising way. She is so good at being good that teachers come to her when they need help remembering the school rules. However, everything changes when she discovers a packet of Surprising Seeds buried under a tree in her backyard. Now, she’s hearing voices, seeing things, experiencing an almost unstoppable urge to plant the Seeds in unusual places, and failing to win her school’s competition for The Most Obedient Child of the School. And that’s before flowers start growing out of her head...
Age
10-12
Length
384 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sorrel Fallowfield
Miss Gritty
Discussion points
Why do you think Sorrel Fallowfield felt the need to follow all the rules? How did it make her feel?
What changes did you notice in Sorrel when she started growing the garden?
How do Sorrel's relationships with her friends and mother evolve throughout the story?
What do you think the magical garden teaches us about nature and our relationship with it?
If you found magical seeds like Sorrel did, what would you grow and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters’ decisions and the outcomes. This can help deepen their understanding of cause and effect.
Discuss Sorrel’s transformation as the garden blooms. Ask your child how they think nature impacts our feelings and behaviors.
Relate the magical elements of the story to your child’s imagination. Ask what magical power they would like to have and explore the reasons behind their choices.
Bring attention to the themes of independence and bravery in the book. Ask your child about times when they had to be brave or make decisions on their own.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of questioning and critical thinking
Explanation: Sorrel Fallowfield, the protagonist, often questions the strange rules of her town and the unusual behavior of the adults around her. Her curiosity and skepticism drive the plot and lead to important discoveries.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to not accept things at face value and to question norms and rules that may not make sense. This encourages a more active engagement with their world and promotes critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: The value of individuality and self-expression
Explanation: Throughout the book, Sorrel learns to embrace her unique qualities and ideas, even when they go against the grain of society's expectations or norms.
Real-World Application: This story can help children see the importance of being true to themselves and expressing their personal viewpoints, even when they differ from the majority. It teaches them to value their individuality and can boost self-confidence.
Example Lesson: The impact of community and collaboration
Explanation: As Sorrel uncovers more about the mysteries of her surroundings, she collaborates with friends and rallies the community to bring about change. This collective effort is pivotal in the story.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of teamwork and how working together can help solve problems that seem insurmountable alone. This can be applied in group activities at school or in collaborative projects.
Example Lesson: The power of kindness and compassion
Explanation: Sorrel's interactions often highlight her kindness, which influences others in the community and brings about positive changes.
Real-World Application: The narrative encourages children to be compassionate towards others, illustrating how small acts of kindness can have a big impact. This can be applied in their interactions with friends, family, and even strangers.
Example Lesson: Courage to challenge the status quo
Explanation: Sorrel's journey is marked by moments where she must stand up against longstanding practices and beliefs in her community, showing great courage.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to speak up against wrongs or injustices they perceive in their own environments, whether it's at home, school, or within their local community.