Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver

Kingsolver, B. (2001). Bean trees. Harper Torch. ISBN: 0061097314

Plot Summary: Missy is stuck in Kansas where girls are getting pregnant and marrying in their early teen years. Not wanting this for herself, she saves enough money for a windowless car, she changes her name to Taylor, and heads west on a road trip that will change her life. She unexpectedly is given a child when she stops for food on an Indian reservation. She is given no other choice but to take responsibility for the three-year-old girl whom she names Turtle. As she continues her journey, she and Turtle end up in Tucson, Arizona. With the little resources she has, Taylor manages to build friendships and get back on her two feet. She learns about the hardships of life through the stories of the new people in her life. Never having the intentions of becoming a mother, Taylor is faced with having to make a decision with will determine the path of her life, as well as the new child in her life.

Critical Evaluation: Kingsolver’s Bean Trees is a great story about a young woman who sets out on her own journey across the United States. The first couple chapters capture readers’ attention when Taylor is placed in a very uncomfortable situation which involves taking in an unwanted and abused young child when stopped on an Indian reservation. Although the story is quite genuine, the plot develops very slowly. The author develops more on the friendships Taylor builds with Lou Anne and Mattie, the two women who provide her the support when her resources run dry. Although this book is suitable for 7th through 12th graders, the story seems like it would attract older adults or mature teen readers. Taking on the responsibility of an abandoned three-year-old child is probably not most teenagers’ idea of exciting. But the decision to get up and get out will definitely be an idea teens can relate to.

Information about the Author: Barbara Kingsolver was born in Maryland. She writes fiction books and poetry. She established the Bellwether Prize, which is given to outstanding literature.

Annotation: When Taylor Greer decides to leave her hometown of Kentucky and take a road trip west, she hits a bump in the road when given the responsibility of an abandoned child. Faced with life changing decisions, Taylor experiences a growth with the support of her new circle of friends.

Genre: adoption, Indian reservations, and automobile travel

Curriculum Ties: United States geography

Booktalking Ideas: Asks students how many of them would love the idea of taking a cross-country road trip. Then ask how many of them would take on the responsibility of an abandoned child on their road trip. This was the situation Taylor was put in. So read and found out what Taylor decides to do.

Reading Level/Interest Age: 9th-12th grade

Challenge Issues: One of the heart-breaking truths readers find out is how 3-year-old Turtle is sexually molested. Although the author does not describe how the molestation takes place, the mentioning of the topic could be disturbing.

Reason for Inclusion: Although Taylor starts out with the exciting plan to take a road trip, this story shows how some roads have obstacles. Sometimes the decisions teens make will define their future and Taylor’s story is the perfect example.