Bloomability by Sharon Creech

From Kentucky to Oklahoma, Texas to California, New Mexico to... Switzerland?! Dinnie has been 'kidnapped' by her Aunt Sandy and Uncle Max or given an opportunity, as her Father puts it. Which ever the case Dinnie is not thrilled about being taken away from her family, the only thing that has remained constant during the first 12 years of her nomadic life. Of all the places her travels have taken her it is here in Switzerland that Dinnie discovers all the 'bloomabilities' life holds.

Teachers: Here are some resources to help you teach Bloomability..

Reading Group Guide This link is to a page that provides a summary of the book, 12 good thinking questions for discussion, a list of Creech's other works as well as information on a Bloomability writing contest.

Sharon Creech This is a link to Sharon Creech's website. This website offers everything from information on Creech, including a biliography, photographs, interview questions and answers, and contact information, to what I found most helpful, the Teacher's Guide.


Teaching Suggestions:
1. Before Reading Have the student break down the word 'bloomability' and have them look up unfamiliar words in the dictionary to predict the meaning of this made up word and discuss the author's reason for using this title.
2. During Reading Talk about the significance of Dinnie's family not writing to her often while she was away and then ask the students to write letters from one of her family members writing what they think this character would have said if they had written.
3. After Reading The book ends without Dinnie making her choice whether or not she will return to Switzerland in the fall. Ask the students to use their imagination to write another chapter or two, either about happens when Dinnie returns home or picking up in the fall explaining her choice.


Creech, Sharon. Bloomability. New York: HarperTrophy, 1998.