Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult Summary

Small Great Things follows Ruth Jefferson, a Black labor and delivery nurse accused of murder after a white supremacist’s newborn dies under her care. The novel explores systemic racism, justice, and privilege through alternating perspectives: Ruth, her white public defender Kennedy, and the baby’s father, Turk Bauer. It tackles themes of implicit bias, moral dilemmas, and the complexities of racial identity in America.

This book is ideal for readers interested in social justice, racial equity, or courtroom dramas. Book clubs, educators, and fans of Jodi Picoult’s morally complex narratives will appreciate its unflinching examination of modern racism. Its layered characters and ethical questions also resonate with those seeking thought-provoking fiction about systemic inequality.

Yes—it debuted as a #1 New York Times bestseller and was praised for its timely, uncomfortable exploration of race. Picoult’s research into implicit bias and her multi-perspective storytelling create a gripping narrative that challenges readers to confront their own prejudices. A film adaptation starring Viola Davis and Julia Roberts is underway.

Key themes include:

• Institutional racism: How systemic bias permeates healthcare, legal systems, and daily interactions.
• Identity and belonging: Ruth’s struggle as a Black woman in predominantly white spaces vs. Turk’s radicalization in a supremacist community.
• Justice vs. fairness: The tension between legal strategy and moral truth during Ruth’s trial.

The title references Martin Luther King Jr.’s idea that incremental actions drive change. Ruth’s mother tells her, “You’re destined to do small great things,” which mirrors Ruth’s quiet resilience. The quote underscores how everyday courage—like Kennedy confronting her own biases—can challenge systemic oppression.

Some critics argue a white author centering Black trauma risks commodifying pain, while others praise Picoult’s research and allyship. The novel sparked debates about who gets to narrate racial stories, though many lauded its intent to foster dialogue about privilege.

Chapters alternate between Ruth, Turk, and Kennedy, revealing how racism shapes each character:

• Ruth: Navigates microaggressions and institutional barriers.
• Turk: Radicalized by hate groups, yet humanized through family loyalty.
• Kennedy: Learns to recognize her white privilege during the trial.

The novel mirrors real-world debates about medical racism, “colorblind” ideologies, and allyship. Its exploration of implicit bias in workplaces and courts remains relevant amid ongoing discussions about police brutality and equity reforms.

Her role as a caregiver highlights the hypocrisy of racial prejudice—she’s trusted to save lives yet deemed unworthy of touching a white baby. This juxtaposition critiques how society segregates competence from humanity based on race.

Like My Sister’s Keeper or Nineteen Minutes, it examines ethical conflicts through multi-perspective storytelling. However, this is Picoult’s first novel centered on race, making it a bold departure from her usual focus on family or legal dramas.

• Confronting bias: Acknowledge and challenge internalized prejudices.
• Allyship: Understand that silence perpetuates oppression.
• Resilience: Small acts of courage can ignite larger societal shifts.

Initially a hardened supremacist, Turk’s grief over his son’s death forces him to question his beliefs. His arc illustrates how hate often stems from fear and insecurity, offering a nuanced portrait of extremism.