Introduction

For ages 8-12. When twelve-year-old Esme finds dinosaur bones on her family’s peach farm, she is suddenly surrounded by those who might not have her best interest at heart. Full of friendship and adventure, and featuring a palpable Texas setting, Finding Esme is a moving and heartfelt story about family, loyalty, and learning to deal with loss.

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Discussion Questions

1. Why is Esme so afraid of the bees and how is it connected with her grieving the loss of her father? List some of the imagery of bees and honey throughout Finding Esme and what the author might be trying to convey. What ultimately breaks the “honeycomb” chain of sorrows” for Esme?

2. Why does Bump the horned toad give Esme so much comfort? Esme says, “I’d like to think somehow, some way, that’s where Paps was, behind the ancient eyes of that horned toad.” In some ways, Bump is Esme’s most constant and loyal friend. How is her friendship with Finch, her best friend, tested in the novel, and do you think Finch did the right thing?

3.Why does Esme want so desperately to keep Louella Goodbones to herself? And why does she ultimately let her go? During Esme’s journey of unearthing the dinosaur, she uncovers other secrets too. How is the theme of secrets carried out in the novel? If you found a dinosaur would you keep it a secret? Or let the world know? Describe what you think Louella Goodbones looked like.
4. What was Esme’s gift and how did she use it? Did she want the gift? In your opinion, was Bee and Esme’s gift a blessing or a curse? What gifts do you think you have? Have they been passed down through your family, or unique to you? What makes you special?

5. What was special about Esme's friendship with Finch? Why was Esme so hurt when Finch wrote the letter to the university about the bones? Why do you think the neighbor gave so much to Finch and so little to Esme when she died?

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