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.

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.

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.

Challenging / Emotional / Heartwarming / Informative

- Small Great Things was inspired by a real-life discrimination lawsuit where an African American nurse sued her employer after being asked not to care for the child of white supremacists.
- Jodi Picoult conducted extensive research on racial issues, including interviewing members of hate groups, to authentically portray the themes and characters in Small Great Things.
- Small Great Things was adapted into an audiobook featuring a diverse cast, underscoring the novel's exploration of race and inclusion.

**Ruth Jefferson**  
A dedicated and experienced labor and delivery nurse who strives to excel in her profession while navigating the challenges posed by systemic racial inequalities.

**Adisa/Rachel**  
Ruth’s sister who embraces her African heritage by adopting a new name, representing a different approach to coping with racial identity and societal expectations.

**Edison Jefferson**  
Ruth’s teenage son, who experiences the complexities of fitting in both white and black communities while learning to adapt to different social environments.

**Lou Brooks**  
Ruth and Adisa’s mother, who works as a domestic and tries to instill gratitude and awareness of societal inequalities in her daughters.

**Turk Bauer**  
A character linked to white supremacy who undergoes a significant personal transformation throughout the narrative.

**Brittany Bauer**  
Turk’s wife, who struggles with grief and hatred following a personal tragedy, leading to complex revelations about her family background.

**Francis Mitchum**  
Brittany’s father, representing an older generation of white supremacists who adapts his beliefs over time.

**Kennedy McQuarrie**  
A public defender dedicated to her work, who grapples with understanding her own privileges and biases while striving to improve and advocate for justice.

**Wallace Mercy**  
A media personality reminiscent of real-life activists, who speaks out on racial issues and resonates with some characters’ suppressed emotions.

Jodi Picoult

Adult

Novel

Ruth Jefferson

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

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Overview

Piccoult’s 2016 novel examines racism, inherited beliefs, and the generational effects of trauma. Learn more with this summary of Small Great Things.

Small Great Things Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Stage One: Early Labor”-Part 2: “Stage One: Active Labor”

Part 1-Part 2, Chapter 4

Get ready to explore Small Great Things and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Small Great Things Part 1-Part 2, Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Stage One: Active Labor”

Part 2, Chapters 5-7

Small Great Things Part 2, Chapters 5-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Stage One: Transition”

Part 3, Chapters 8-11

Small Great Things Part 3, Chapters 8-11 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 12-15

Small Great Things Part 3, Chapters 12-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 16-18

Small Great Things Part 3, Chapters 16-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Stage Two: Pushing”

Part 4, Chapters 19-23

Small Great Things Part 4, Chapters 19-23 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Stage Two: Pushing”-Part 5: “Stage Three: Afterbirth”

Part 4, Chapter 24-Part 5

Small Great Things Part 4, Chapter 24-Part 5 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Small Great Things Character Analysis

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Themes

Small Great Things Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Small Great Things Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Small Great Things Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Small Great Things Essay Topics

Book Club Questions

Small Great Things Book Club Questions

Small Great Things

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read Small Great Things?

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Book Details