The Bean Trees
by Barbara Kingsolver
About_
This study guide accompanies The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver, which follows Taylor Greer as she leaves rural
Kentucky, unexpectedly becomes the guardian of an abandoned toddler she names Turtle, and builds a new life
and found family in Tucson, Arizona. Along the way, Taylor forms deep bonds with friends like Lou Ann and Mattie,
and becomes entangled in the lives of Esperanza and Estevan, a refugee couple fleeing violence in Guatemala.
Students will explore themes of found family, resilience, immigration, and what it truly means to belong
somewhere. This study guide contains 78 questions across 6 chapter sections (60 Factual + 18 Critical), 1
Crossword Puzzle (12 clues), and 1 Character Focus Activity.
What’s Included_
This study guide features 6 sets of 10 Factual Questions with an answer key (60 total), 6 sets of 3 Critical Analysis
Questions (18 total), 1 Crossword Puzzle (12 clues), and 1 Character Focus Activity (8 traits + evidence prompt +
critical thinking question).
Target Grades_
Grades 9-11
Teacher Note_
This study guide is designed to help students engage thoughtfully with Kingsolver’s rich characters and difficult
themes, from found family to immigration and resilience, while saving you valuable preparation time. The mix of
factual recall and open-ended discussion questions builds strong comprehension and encourages meaningful
classroom conversation. We hope it helps your students connect deeply with Taylor’s journey!