The Great Unexpected

The Great Unexpected, Sharon Creech

In a whimsical tale Sharon Creech weaves the magic of Ireland with the small American dirt road town of Blackbird Tree as she ties the reader’s heart to two orphan girls in their journey of finding a sense of belonging. While striving to understand their place in the world around them, the young best friends discover that when blood relatives are not to be found, similar experiences and dreams have equal potential to forge lasting bonds.

Creech successfully captures the enchantment that rules a young girl’s life as she delves through the heartache, mystery and surprise that entwines the lives of the two orphans of Blackbird Tree, Lizzie and Naomi. The reader learns that by taking the time to learn more about your neighbors and especially about your past, one finds themselves on a path of self-discovery. Naomi eventually chooses to wade past the cruel local nicknames of a few towns folk and in doing so makes new friends and learns lessons applicable to herself. Creech teaches the reader valuable lessons about the gems that can be discovered when one steps outside of their comfort zone and especially when one shows care for those around them. Middle school students will find comradery and solace in The Great Unexpected as they will easily relate to the two main characters. Teachers and parents alike could utilize The Great Unexpected to instill confidence and integrity into their young pupils and daughters.