Genre: Middle Grade (3-7) / Magical Realism / Family & Loss
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
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.
“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
Can a book make you smell peaches? I know I literally did not have peaches in my car as I was listening to this audiobook, but peaches give me a warm, at-home feeling and this audiobook made me smell peaches. That is the brilliance of Finding Esme.
I was not quite sure what to expect of Finding Esme, by author Suzanne Crowley. What transpired in the span of two trips to my work site was the world of Esme McCauley and all her meaningful discoveries, especially the one on Solace Hill.
Narrator, Cassandra Morris Texas’ drawl voice was perfect at narrating this story. Her inflection and tone carried Esme’s voice vividly. She switched between characters and passages of the story effortlessly. I can tell you this I never got bored with any section of Cassandra’s voice during my long drives. My interest never waned and kept me alert.
There are a lot of themes in this coming of age story from poverty, to the loss of a parent, to one’s own self-discovery to dinosaurs. All the themes are beautifully and masterfully conveyed in this story. It is a book about old-time Texas. Every time old candy was mentioned I fondly recalled loving pop rocks and hating bottle caps.
While this book is a perfect story for middle-age school readers, older kids and adults may find it appealing, especially for young girls wanting inspiration to empower themselves. While the story ending left me not feeling completely fulfilled for a solid conclusion, I can see Suzanne following up with a sequel to this book which would be one I’d look forward to reading.
One note – Disc 4 and Disc 5 did give me initial problems but I was able to eject them and they started up just fine.
February 11-21, 2020
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2/20/20
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2/20/20
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Forgotten Winds 
Awesome review, Christena ❤
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Thank you, Heather! ❤️
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Very good! I loved it!
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Thank you, Regina!
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You’re welcome!
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Love this review & that bookstagram!!! I agree that the narrator was perfection with the Texas twang. Excellent narration to go with an excellent story. Thanks for the post!
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