60 pages 2 hours read

Jodi Picoult

Small Great Things

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult follows Ruth Jefferson, a Black labor and delivery nurse, accused of murder by white supremacist parents, Turk and Brittany Bauer, after their baby dies under her care. The story explores themes of systemic racism as Ruth's court-appointed attorney, Kennedy; Turk; and Ruth navigate the ensuing legal battle. Sensitive topics addressed include racism, radicalization, and suicide.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Jodi Picoult’s Small Great Things delves into complex social issues with compelling characters and immersive storytelling. Praised for its thought-provoking themes on race and prejudice, it has been criticized for occasionally oversimplifying the nuanced topics it aims to explore. Overall, it is lauded for sparking important conversations and its emotional depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Small Great Things?

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult will captivate readers who value thought-provoking, socially conscious fiction. Fans of The Help by Kathryn Stockett or To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee will appreciate its exploration of race, prejudice, and moral dilemmas. This novel is perfect for those who enjoy intense, character-driven narratives.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

HL800L

Book Details

Genre

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Realistic Fiction

Modern Classic Fiction

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger

Topics

Race / Racism