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TL;DR: Ruth Jefferson is an experienced Black labor and delivery nurse. When a white supremacist couple asks that she not touch their baby, a hospital supervisor complies. When the baby has an emergency, Ruth hesitates, and the baby dies. She is charged with murder, and a white public defender, Kennedy McQuarrie, takes her case.
Table of Contents
Small Great Things at a Glance
| Author | Jodi Picoult |
| First published | 2016 |
| Type | Contemporary fiction |
| Best for | readers who like issue-driven novels about race and justice |
Small Great Things is a novel by Jodi Picoult, first published in 2016. The novel is told from three perspectives: Ruth, Kennedy and Turk, the baby's father. Picoult has said she wanted to examine racism. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
Content note: Contains racism and a baby's death.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
A nurse
Ruth is a respected nurse. She loves her job.
The request
The Bauer couple asks that no Black staff touch their baby.
The emergency
The baby goes into distress while Ruth is alone with him. She hesitates.
The charge
The baby dies, and Ruth is charged.
The trial
Kennedy defends Ruth. She struggles to understand race.
Verdict
The trial ends. The ending is hopeful.
The Summary at a Glance
| Part | In one line |
|---|---|
| A nurse | Ruth is a respected nurse. |
| The request | The Bauer couple asks that no Black staff touch their baby. |
| The emergency | The baby goes into distress while Ruth is alone with him. |
| The charge | The baby dies, and Ruth is charged. |
| The trial | Kennedy defends Ruth. |
| Verdict | The trial ends. |
5 Key Takeaways
- Racism can be hidden.
- Allies must learn.
- Justice is not always fair.
- Listening is important.
- Courage is needed to confront bias.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Three narrators show different perspectives.
- The book is based on a real case.
- It has been praised and criticized.
Who Should Read Small Great Things?
Read it if you like novels about justice. It is thought-provoking.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Small Great Things:
- Which character did you understand best, and what did the author do to make you feel that way?
- Which scene would you change, and what would that do to the ending?
- What does the book say about its main theme that you agree or disagree with?
Quick Facts to Remember
- Book: Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult (2016)
- Type: Contemporary fiction
- Best for: readers who like issue-driven novels about race and justice
- Main idea in one line: Racism can be hidden.
Reading Time and Format
Novels differ a lot in length and pace, so check the page count of your edition before you start. If you prefer to listen, many public libraries lend audiobooks through free apps, and a narrated edition can suit a long novel well. Whichever format you choose, a library copy is a low-cost way to try the book before you buy, and used or digital editions are often cheaper than new print copies.
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Small Great Things is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A simple way to get the most from it: first read the TL;DR and the takeaways to decide if the book fits your interests, then read the part-by-part section for the structure, and finally write down one idea you want to remember or one question you want answered by the full text.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Small Great Things, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
If you plan to read it, set aside a few evenings and read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a novel work or not. If you are still unsure, read a free sample or the first chapter, because the opening pages usually show whether the voice and subject suit you. Reviews from readers with tastes like yours can help too, but your own reaction to a few pages is the best test.
Check price of Small Great Things on Amazon
What to Read Next
- Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult: a school shooting
- My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult: a medical dilemma
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: a teen speaks out
Related: 15 Books Like Small Great Things You’ll Love · Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult: Summary and Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Small Great Things based on a true story?
It was inspired by a real case.
Who are the narrators?
Ruth, Kennedy and Turk.
Is it a thriller?
It is a legal drama.
Is Small Great Things worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who like issue-driven novels about race and justice. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading Small Great Things?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.
Is Small Great Things worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who like issue-driven novels about race and justice. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading Small Great Things?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.