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 for help with school rules. However, her life takes a turn when she finds a packet of Surprising Seeds in her backyard, causing her to hear voices, see things, and have an unstoppable urge to plant the Seeds in unusual places. This leads to her failing to win her school's competition for The Most Obedient Child of the School, and flowers start growing out of her head.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-12
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the little girl feels when she sees the flowers bloom, and why?
What does blooming mean to you personally, and can you think of a time when you felt like you were blooming?
In the story, nature plays an important role. How do you feel when you're around nature?
What can we learn from the way the little girl takes care of the flowers?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the themes of growth and nurturing in the book to their own life experiences.
Discuss the importance of patience and care in nurturing something - whether it's a plant, a pet, or a skill.
Emphasize the sensory descriptions of nature in the book and ask your child how they imagine these would feel, smell, or look.
Invite your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of the book or their own version of a blooming garden.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: In 'Bloom,' the protagonist learns to embrace her unique qualities and grow confident in who she is, despite the pressures and expectations from those around her.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding their unique traits and feeling proud of them, which helps in building their self-esteem and resilience against peer pressure.
Example Lesson: Importance of nurturing
Explanation: The story shows how love and care from family and friends help the main character flourish. This nurturing environment is crucial for her personal growth.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of supporting and caring for others around them, enhancing their empathy and social skills in real-life interactions.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: The character in 'Bloom' faces challenges but continues to persevere and work hard, ultimately achieving her goals. This highlights the importance of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties, encouraging them to keep trying and work towards overcoming their own challenges.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Diversity
Explanation: The book illustrates how differences in background and abilities enrich a community, as the protagonist interacts with a diverse group of peers.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps promote inclusiveness and respect for diversity among children, fostering a more understanding and accepting attitude towards others from different walks of life.