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.

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.

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

Sharon Creech

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Great Unexpected and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Great Unexpected Summary

Background

The Great Unexpected Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 10

The Great Unexpected Prologue-Chapter 10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-20

The Great Unexpected Chapters 11-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-30

The Great Unexpected Chapters 21-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-40

The Great Unexpected Chapters 31-40 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 41-50

The Great Unexpected Chapters 41-50 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 51-57

The Great Unexpected Chapters 51-57 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Great Unexpected Character Analysis

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Themes

The Great Unexpected Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Great Unexpected Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Great Unexpected Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Great Unexpected Essay Topics

The Great Unexpected

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Great Unexpected?

Reading Age

Book Details