Small Great Things

1. General Impressions 

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• What were your initial thoughts on the alternating perspectives between Ruth, Kennedy, and Turk?
• Did the novel’s opening leave you hopeful or worried about Ruth’s journey and decision to follow in her mother’s footsteps?
• Consider this book in relation to The Help by Kathryn Stockett. In what ways do both texts examine Black women navigating white-dominated spaces? How are Black women in each text positioned as being adjacent to but not a part of the family system?



2. Personal Reflection and Connection 

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• How did Ruth’s initial response to the Bauers’ request make you feel? How might you have handled their request?
• Ruth’s murder charge and trial are emotionally charged. What did this process illuminate for you regarding systemic racism? How did it make you feel?
• Have you ever felt like you were judged based on some part of yourself that you cannot control?
• How did Ruth’s statement on the stand make you feel in terms of justice and dignity? What other moments in the text made you feel connected to Ruth?
• Have you ever experienced or witnessed acts of racism? What might you say to someone behaving in a racist way if you were present?

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