Suzanne Crowley

Finding Esme

Mellanie Ann Duque

Among the other Middle-grade books I have read before Finding Esme has a different flavour, though most or majority of Middle grade books are full of magical happenings, still, Finding Esme gave me a new concept.
The author did a great job on making every character special specifically Esme; this cute little girl is very mysterious. In fact, her whole family is mysterious too. The book will give you so many questions and assumptions like Esme. For me being able to make your readers intrigued is a big factor especially with this type of book. Kids now a days should read books that are full of mysteries and really fun! Same as the other characters, they did not failed to impressed me throughout the story.
The author’s style in writing is truly impressive, she have made every single thing really interesting. I loved how she connected palaeontology with the story, I know how it’s hard to do all the research for the whole thing and I loved everything about it.
Connecting reality and some supernatural is such nice for someone who believes in spirits and ghosts like me. I just felt so connected with the main character.
If there is another book that I will recommend to my students to read, Finding Esme is the ONE. For it is jam-packed with adventures that anyone in all ages will enjoy, stories of family, friends that indeed will give lessons in life and will teach every single reader the true meaning of accepting and forgiving.
I truly adore books like this one for it’s not just something you could enjoy but also something that you could look back to for everything that taught you.
All in all I highly recommend this to everyone especially to mums with growing kids out there.

Super grateful to the author for gifting me a copy of this lovely book! It was such a refreshing read. It's been a long time since I read something in the middle grade spectrum. 

I absolutely loved Esme! Such a curious and witty girl. It was great to see her bring out the Nancy Drew in her. Perfect for young kids that are trying to find themselves. This is definitely a great book to present in a middle grade environment where kids are just learning about full independent actions and building up character as well as self confidence. 

Esme is such a fun, heartwarming character.. kids will definitely love! She sets off on an adventure after discovering treasure right in her backyard. I loved how the author connected Esme to her grandmother, that totally resonated with me ( I miss my grandma dearly and I love that I have certain traits from her). The dynamic between Esme and her buddies took me back to when I was a kid. This book had me reminiscing on the innocence of age, which we hardly see now a days.. and I found that absolutely delightful! 

If you are looking for a story that gives kids a push of confidence, a taste of magic and mystery.. this is definitely one to look into. Esme showed determination and she learned the importance of friendship and family throughout her journey! I would have loved to read this during my middle grade years! 

I am so happy I gave this book a chance, definitely look forward to reading more by Suzanne Crowley!

Tatiana Alvarez 

Thank you so much to the author for sending me her book and collaborating with me!

Finding Esme is a middle grade book about a girl named Esme who stumbled upon dinosaur bones close to where her grandfather died a few months ago. Believing this to be a sign from her grandfather, Esme takes great interest in the bones as a way to cope with loss and abandonment. Not only did she lose her grandfather, but her father has been out of her life for three years. Her mother is there but absent in every meaningful way.

Esme is a 12 year old girl, but she has had to grow up fast. Luckily, she has Bee, her grandmother, who has a similar gift to her. Both Esme and Bee are able to find missing things and occasionally see ghost. They have quite a unique relationship.

This book was a fast read that made me laugh and broke my heart in so many ways. Esme is such a well written and strong protagonist that I could not help but think of how I would teach this book if I were to read it with my 8th graders. It is a perfect story for this age group and doesn't necessarily have a happy ending, but has one that brings the reader peace.

The pacing is quick and the book is very character driven. I Loved watching the relationships and friendships form in this book. I highly recommend this book to any lovers of middle grade!

Kath Lau

*Huge thanks to Ms. Suzanne for sending me a free copy. This did not affect my overall opinion of the book.

This book tells the story of Esme, a girl who shares a special gift with her grandmother. Both of them can find things and people. One day, Esme discovers dinosaur skeleton on their peach farm but decided to keep it a secret. She believes that finding the skeleton is her dead grandfather’s way of sending her a very important message.

I had to admit that it took quite some time for me to get used to and follow the names. But once I did, I enjoyed the story and appreciate the characters more.

Esme is a great kid. She’s the kind of daughter that I want to have in the future. She loves her family a lot. She is courageous, determined and loyal. She’s just unique. Esme’s family is not perfect. Her grandmother is the one who’s looking after her and her little brother. Her father hasn’t been home for three years now. Her mother is struggling with her mental health. And the loss of her grandfather has a huge impact on her since she loves him the most. At the age of twelve, she is already facing a lot of serious problems. This made me want to give her a hug and tell her everything will be okay.

I really liked how the whole story unfolds. I really don’t want to say a lot about this because it’s best to experience it by yourself.

This was a very heart-warming and deeply moving read. It’s not only a story about family and friendship, it’s also about loss, grief, acceptance and happiness. A mix of supernatural, mystery, suspense and adventure. Finding Esme is not only for younger readers. I think people of all ages will appreciate the beauty of this book.

More of my reviews at The Last Reader

Maria Elena Vitale Zelaia

That feeling when you close a book with a smile on your face and sigh. 

Finding Esme was a wonderful gem of a book. I admit, it’s not my usual read, but I enjoyed every page. The author’s writing style flows beautifully onto the page. She truly captured Esme’s essence with her actions, thoughts and narration. I found myself relating with her so much—not with the events in her life, but in the way she thinks. I saw myself at twelve.

This book was very character driven. The bonds of family and friendship were a strong theme. We learned the little details of how the characters were relevant to Esme or the people she loved as we met them, creating a web of connections throughout the small Texan community. Though I’ve only ever seen Texas in TV or the internet, I felt the atmosphere of a small town through its superstitions and the fact that everyone knows everything about everyone. Living in one myself, I felt that. 

I also enjoyed the little veil of mystery peppered throughout the story and the supernatural element given by Bee’s and Esme’s peculiar gift and the sighting of ghosts. Everything was neatly wrapped together with a wonderful narration that reminded me of books I enjoyed to read as a girl, like 
  Holes
, which I probably read three times and loved every time. Though the stories couldn’t be more different, the one-liners that made me giggle and the way details were delivered thorough the story reminded me of that book I loved. Perhaps I loved Esme even more.

I could see myself rereading this book when I feel the need to read something fun and wholesome. I could see myself reading it to a child if I’ll ever have one. Finding Esme  is the perfect books for adults and young ones alike.

Thank you to the author for sending me a copy!

Stefie 

Finding Esme is a story that to me is unique. I don't want to giveaway much because it's better if you go on reading this book without knowing what it is about. I don't know how the author manage to put everything together. But it works and I enjoyed it :)
In the beginning, the book introduces different characters with unique names which to me, it's a little hard to follow. It took me a while until I get used to it. Also how the story is told sometimes make me feel like I lost the momentum of the story. I found myself so excited and so curious but then it's released because of that excited part was continued by a long history or telling about a character in the past. 

But other than that, I really love the warmth that Finding Esme gave me. I like the ending even though I feel it'd a bit so sudden. However, consider how the ending went, it's great. I also love the sense of family and friends of the family here! 

Thank you to Suzanne for the copy :)

Finding Esme

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