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56 pages 1 hour read

The Great Unexpected

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2012

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Book Brief

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Sharon Creech

The Great Unexpected

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2012
Book Details
Pages

226

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Blackbird Tree, USA • Contemporary

Publication Year

2012

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

720L

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Super Short Summary

The Great Unexpected by Sharon Creech centers on two orphaned best friends, Naomi Deane and Lizzie Scatterding, living in a small American town. Their lives change dramatically when a boy named Finn falls from a tree and speaks to them, leading to uncovering secrets connected to an Irish woman named Sybil. Through a series of unexpected events, the girls explore themes of family, friendship, and the interconnectedness of people across time and place. The book includes instances of child death and familial loss.

Mysterious

Humorous

Fantastical

Emotional

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Great Unexpected by Sharon Creech is lauded for its whimsical storytelling and engaging prose, offering readers a heartfelt tale of friendship and mystery. Critics highlight the vivid character development and charming narrative but note that the pacing can be uneven at times. Overall, it’s a delightful read for middle-grade audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Great Unexpected?

A reader who enjoys The Great Unexpected by Sharon Creech likely loves whimsical, heartfelt stories with a touch of mystery. Ideal for fans of Kate DiCamillo's Because of Winn-Dixie and Rebecca Stead's When You Reach Me, this novel appeals to middle-grade readers who appreciate quirky characters and magical realism within a contemporary setting.

Character List

Naomi Deane

A 12-year-old girl characterized by her imagination and anxiety, who struggles with self-blame and a distrust of people and animals but learns to embrace unexpected events through her experiences.

Naomi’s guardian with a unique sense of humor, who shares an open and supportive relationship with Naomi while harboring a fear of losing her, ultimately helping Naomi to understand the importance of unexpected events.

Naomi’s best friend and contrast, characterized by her optimistic and carefree nature, who remains hopeful about adoption despite their shared orphan status and provides a counterbalance to Naomi’s anxiety.

Nula’s sister who rose from servant to the mistress of an estate, known for her commanding presence and generosity, and who enjoys solving mysteries and anonymously sending messages to her sister.

A charming boy who captures Naomi’s heart, known for his connection to both America and Ireland, and serves as a bridge between several characters and their intertwined stories.

Sybil’s companion who shares a deep bond with her, known for her caring nature and past connection with Lizzie’s mother, highlighting the interconnectedness of the characters’ lives.

Book Details
Pages

226

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Blackbird Tree, USA • Contemporary

Publication Year

2012

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

720L

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