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Small Great Things Book Review

Small Great Things

Jodi Picoult (Author)

Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine

Adult Fiction

Publication Date: October 11, 2016

Ruth Jefferson, a labor and delivery nurse for more than twenty years who is African American, is removed from caring for a newborn patient by his white supremacist parents. But, when the newborn goes into cardiac arrest and Ruth is the only nurse available to help, how should she react? Does she disobey orders and help the child, or does she abide by the directive given to her and not care for the patient? This incident sets into motion a lawsuit and a candid look at race and racism in America today.

While it's easy to point a finger at overt racism and racists (like the confederate flag and swastika tattooed father), Small Great Things dives deeper illuminating shades of racism from intentional to unintentional to well-intentioned ignorance.

As a white woman, Small Great Things was at times familiar at times eye opening and at times jarring. Small Great Things will make you think about race in America and how you fit into the wider discourse. When you read this book, I highly recommend also reading the Author's Note that explains why Jodi Picoult wrote it. It's important to understand perspectives outside of our own, and even though it is fiction, Small Great Things offers insight into a multitude of experiences Americans live every day.

If you’re interested in reading Small Great Things, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon. 

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

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The Bone Sparrow Review

The Bone Sparrow

Zana Fraillon (Author)

Disney-Hyperion

Kids Can Press

Middle Grades, Young Adult, Fiction

Publication Date: November 1, 2016

The Bone Sparrow is an enlightening but heartbreaking glimpse into life in a refugee detention center. Set in Australia, The Bone Sparrow follows Subhi, a refugee born inside the camp who has never experienced life "outside" and Jimmie an outsider who finds a way to sneak into the camp at night. As Subhi and Jimmie become fast friends, finding comfort and adventure in small things like hot chocolate and reading stories, the plight of those in the camp becomes more evident and tensions escalate.

While The Bone Sparrow is set in a permanent detention center in Australia for Rohingya refugees, the treatment and conditions these characters face are common to other refugees around the world.  For teachers, The Bone Sparrow is a great introduction for students to see what life is like in these camps–there is hardship and misery, but there is also family, love, and friendship. 

If you’re interested in reading The Bone Sparrow, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon. 

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

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