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1. Which of the three main characters (Ruth,
Turk, or Kennedy) do you most relate to and why? Think about what you
have in common with the other two characters as well—how can you relate
to them?
2. The title of the book comes from the Martin Luther King, Jr. quote
that Ruth’s mother mentions on p. 173: "If I cannot do great things, I
can do small things in a great way." What does this quote mean to you?
What are some examples of small great things done by the characters in
the novel?
3. Discuss Ruth’s relationship with her sister, Adisa. How does the
relationship change over the course of the novel?
4. Kennedy seeks out a neighborhood in which she is the only white
person to help her gain some perspective. Can you think of an example of
a time when something about your identity made you an outsider? How were
you affected by that experience?
5. All of the characters change over the course of the novel, but Turk’s
transformation is perhaps the most extreme. What do you think
contributed to that change?
6. Discuss the theme of parenthood in the novel. What does being a
parent mean to Ruth, to Kennedy, and to Turk? What does it mean to you?
7. Why do you think Ruth lies to Kennedy about touching Davis when he
first starts seizing? What would you have done in her position?
8. Why do you think Kennedy decides to take Ruth’s case? What makes it
so important to her?
9. Discuss the difference between "equity" and "equality" as Kennedy
explains it on p. 427. Do you think Ruth gets equity from the trial?
10. Was your perspective on racism or privilege changed by reading this
book? Is there anything you now see differently?
11. Did the ending of Small Great Things surprise you? If so,
why? Did you envision a different ending?
12. Did the Author’s Note change your reading experience at all?
13. Have you changed anything in your daily life after reading Small
Great Things?
14. Whom would you recommend Small Great Things to? Why?
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