Book Clubs

Know Wonder Front Cover

Know Wonder

The Becoming Jesse series is a classic family novel, which speaks to a wholesome and nurturing sense of relationships in all the characters, especially the engaging Jesse and his magical effect on everyone around him. The pages spark and sparkle with real life: dark and light. We learn along with Jesse to find our love, our surprises and delights, in both giddy and profound reflections, and the outright magic of sharing the very best to Know Wonder.

Use the questions and ideas below to help find the stardust and Light in Jesse’s story and in your own.

Discussion Questions

  1. Jesse’s mother, Jane, is the narrator for this story, and Jesse hears her voice inside him. What is her role and purpose? What does this mean to Jesse? How does he use his Light to change his attitude? Does it change his situation? Give examples from Windy Hill Farm, at the Bay Traveler Hotel, and when he has his challenges.
  2. Jesse left New York City to find his grandmother, Jessica, whom he has re-named Gemma. He lives with her now, so why is ‘family’ still so important to Jesse? What does this mean to Jesse as he moves through his story?
  3. Jesse has been living with his grandmother, Gemma, for a year. But things are not working out as he expected. Discuss her dreadful behavior, especially toward Jesse at Windy Hill Farm. Why does Gemma act more like her loving self when she is away from the farm?
  4. Jesse still hears gossip about “The Black Widow”, the reputation Gemma has endured all these years. Why does Gemma feel it still haunts her; and why does Tilly tell her the “Black Widow” is long forgotten old news?
  5. How does the Stock Market Crash and the Great Depression affect Gemma?
  6. What do you think of “Nobody”, the trespassing boy who says Windy Hill Farm is his most favorite place? How do you think he knows so much about Gemma and Windy Hill Farm? Why do you think he doesn’t want Jesse to know who he is? Why does Jesse want to keep him a secret?
  7. Jesse wanted Gemma to feel thriving and splendid. How did Fortune play a part in her transformation?
  8. Who are the characters that Jesse meets as guests of the hotel, and at the beach? How do these people help you understand Jesse’s character in the way he interacts with them?
  9. Describe Jesse’s relationships with the hotel’s kitchen, housekeeping, and waitresses. Give examples of your favorite Jesse shenanigans.
  10. Discuss the ways that Jesse keeps his “Light on” when Gemma speaks or acts so dreadfully.
  11. Who are the dark characters and how do they impact Jesse?
  12. What are the important episodes wherein Jesse dares himself to try a challenging task or escapade?
  13. How does Gemma behave when the house is ram shackled, and later, the fossil collection is burgled? Why and how does she awaken, back into her Light?
  14. Why do you think Jesse loves the ‘lovey-doveys’ so? Who are the characters he observes being romantic?
  15. How does music affect Jesse? What are some of his favorite pieces?
  16. What are three of the important puzzles Jesse solves? Who are the people involved in these puzzles? How does Jesse Know Wonder?
  17. Overall, what is it that surprises Jesse? What surprised you in Jesse’s story?
  18. What are three mysteries Jesse still has to solve at the end of this story?