Finding Esme: Review and Giveaway

FINDING ESME

by

SUZANNE CROWLEY

   Genre: Middle Grade (3-7) / Magical Realism / Family & Loss Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Date of Publication: August 14, 2018

Number of Pages: 288

Scroll down for the giveaway!

After her grandfather died from a heart attack while driving his tractor on Solace Hill, twelve-year-old Esme's been inextricably drawn to that spot, although her grandmother warns her to stay away. But when she follows her little brother, Bo, and her dog, Old Jack, up the hill while chasing fireflies, she makes an incredible discovery—dinosaur bones peeking out from underneath the abandoned tractor. The bones must be a message from her grandfather, a connection from beyond the grave. But when word gets out that the farm is hiding something valuable, reporters, researchers, and neighbors arrive in droves. Esme struggles to understand who has her best interests at heart, especially as the memory of her grandfather begins to slip away. Full of friendship and adventure, and featuring a palpable Texas setting, Finding Esme is a moving and heartfelt story about family, friendship, and learning to deal with loss.

PRAISE & HONORS FOR FINDING ESME:

“Esme is a brave, appealing heroine with the odds stacked against her… Bad blood and layered family secrets drive this story to its ultimately optimistic and satisfying conclusion.” -- Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) “Esme McCauley is a lonely but spirited 12-year-old who feels nothing ever happens to her the way it’s supposed to...A poignant tale for readers who enjoy character-driven realism.” -- School Library Journal “Readers muddling through preteen changes or unstable family lives will identify with Esme’s struggles, but the thrill of discovery will appeal to most.” -- Booklist

Texas Library Association 2019 Spirit of Texas (SPOT) reading program selection

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Rating: 5/5

"You ain't ever gonna conquer your fears unless you face them head-on." - Bee

Finding Esme is a perfect coming of age story. Esme is right in those awkward years, where boys become interesting and girl friends can become mean. Where being odd is frowned upon. Esme's tale is really about finding herself, finding where she fits in, and accepting what makes her stand apart from everyone else: her ability to find lost things, an inherited trait like her Grandma Bee. 

Esme is at a lost after the untimely death of her Grandfather Paps. She always seems to be searching, but for what she doesn't really know. Everyone in her home seems to be suffering just a little and in their own ways. June Rain (their mother) rarely talks, Bo acts out in his own way (hyper they call him at school) and Bee does her best to take care of everyone. With Esme's father missing, and Paps gone, Esme just isn't sure where she fits in anymore. She begins to notice things from her past that she had missed, her friends don't really seem like her friends anymore, and she seems to be at odds with her friend Finch. Soon she's on a path that leads her to bones, mystery, and history. And through her journey acceptance of who she is and forgiveness of those that hurt her. 

I think what really stood apart from this book was Esme's voice. This character swept me off my feet right from the beginning. She's imaginative and thought-provoking. I could hear the hint of a southern drawl as she narrated, and it was easy to fall into a gentle rhythm hearing her voice and falling into her story. 

Another character that I loved was Bee. She had such a level head about everything. She's a wonderful role model for Esme, and her words of wisdom were very insightful. She's is Esme's rock throughout the entire book, the one solid thing that doesn't sway. She was a priceless gem!

I simply loved the setting as well. I enjoyed Esme's interactions with everyone else in town, to be completely submerged in Esme's world. Esme is about fitting the pieces of broken hearts back together and accepting what makes you you!

"Bee always said life was about leavings and comings, but I think it's about those who stay."- Esme

Suzanne Crowley is the author of two acclaimed novels for young readers, The Very Ordered Existence of Merilee Marvelous and The Stolen One. The author, who is also a miniaturist and dollhouse collector whose work has graced the covers of magazines worldwide, was born in a small town in Texas and lives in Southlake, Texas. When not hugging her dog or imbibing in chocolate, she can often be found taking a nap.

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GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!

TWO READERS EACH WIN A SIGNED COPY OF FINDING ESME, TWO CANDLES, BOOKMARKS, FUN FACT CARDS, AND A PEN! February 11-21, 2020

(U.S. Only)

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