She feels guilty leaving Turtle at Kid Central Station in the mall and knows that she needs other resources. After Taylor and Turtle rent a room at the Hotel Republic and all of Taylor's money is spent, Taylor knows that she has to get a job however, she finds herself in a situation too familiar to many single mothers: wondering how she will be able to afford childcare for Turtle. Kingsolver's belief in community as a necessary support for individuals, as well as for American society, is another major theme. What she does to care for and support these refugees is no different from what most biological family members do for each other. They are fellow human beings, and she risks her life for them time and time again. Mattie, when asked if she has 'grandbabies,' responds, 'Something like that.' She loves the people who are in sanctuary in her house. Because Edna is blind, she is dependent on Virgie Mae. Other nontraditional families include Edna and Virgie Mae, as well as Mattie and her house full of political refugees. Out of this sense of belonging and acceptance comes the notion of family, of unasked-for and freely given emotional and psychological support. Lou Ann considers Taylor and Turtle family because they'd 'been through hell and high water together' and because they know 'each other's good and bad sides, stuff nobody else knows.' Taylor and Lou Ann develop an enduring friendship and love for one another. Neither Taylor nor Lou Ann can afford much by sharing expenses, they help each other survive difficult times. When they move in with Lou Ann and her son, their family grows.

Taylor ends up with Turtle, and together they form a family. Throughout the novel, Kingsolver focuses on family as a major theme.

Kingsolver uses her feminist beliefs, her interest in political issues, and her background in biology as vehicles to relate her thematic messages. Major themes in The Bean Trees include the importance of family and the need for community as emotional support systems for individuals facing hardships.

The bean trees novel