The Great Unexpected: An Enchanting Story of Orphan Friendship, Irish Mystery, and Forgiveness for Kids (Ages 8-12)

This is the fourth book that my daughter and I have read this summer. We thoroughly enjoyed every word in this book. The author has a very lyrical, almost poetical style of writing. She has a beautiful way sf phrasing things that makes the reader want to absorb each word.Also,, the pacing is flawless. The story is a mystery that floats back and forth between characters in America and characters in Ireland. The mystery unfolds gradually throughout the story which keeps the reader engaged and entertained (thus the perfect pacing). Each chapter either adds plot elements or reveals important elements.The story really revolves around three sets of sisters. All three sets have argued over a boy (Finn). The result of this competition over a boy is what drives the mystery. There are also several smaller mysteries (the ravens, the strangers in town, the four old people) that interconnect throughout the story. The lines connect and unravel as the various stories are solved.The end of the story is very satisfying. The resolution of the mystery speaks to the interconnectedness of life (the butlers brother is the grumpy older "unfortunate" one armed man in town who once received a letter from Naomi which he treasured for always). All the characters share strange unlooked for connections. This adds a warmth that is not immediately apparent but blossoms between all the characters. The world at the beginning of the story is a cold, rather unfeeling place for the characters. By the end, we discover a community and a home for all of them.Now for the characters - Naomi is the heart and the main line of the story. We follow her through to the conclusion of all the mysteries.The story and the other characters reactions are perceived through her viewpoint. Her emotions and reactions feel very authentic for a young person. A good example of this is her jealousy regarding that Finn Boy. Her emotions are most vivid though at the death of her foster father, Joe. They felt so raw and real. The reader is completely immersed in her shock, pain, and then gradually feeling him still with her.. My daughter had said that Naomi was a person of few words because she had experienced so much pain in her life. She carried a heavy burden that kept her quiet. I felt that this was true. She loved that at the end of the story, Naomi's burden was beginning to lessen and she was able to feel more joy.The other characters came across as more flat. For instance - Lizzy (a character affected by the story deeply) never really grows or changes. By the end, we see her content finally. She has a home, plenty to eat, a future, and a sister in Naomi. Yet, we do t see this contentment or happiness change her at all. She talks too much and annoyed me a bit. My daughter loved this character. She said that Lizzy was unique and quirky - her own person.Nula (foster mom) comes across more as a narrator voice than an actual participant in the story. She tells the stories (in a beautiful way) but strangely seems unmoved by the "unexpected" events. She just seems to go along with whatever happens in the story.In conclusion, this is Naomi's story and was mesmerizing.

A story hard to describe because it is so fanciful but such a delight to read. Families and people change as life changes them.

A tale of two girls and several boys named Finn. Full of cranky odd folks in a small town, all connected in unsurprising ways. One of those stories that drew me in without any obvious adventures, just by the writing.

My daughter and I enjoyed reading this book immensely. Sharon Creech has such a way of drawing the young reader in! This book particularly was very mysterious, and the story unfolded so well. She also has a wonderful ability to make the story funny, which resulted in quite a bit of uproarious laughter for us. My daughter is very particular about the books she reads, and she could not put this one down! I whole-heartedly recommend!

I bought this book and didnt even read what it was about, just based on the reviews. i absolutely loved it from beginning to end. there arent many books i can read that i like from the very beginning, and that is basically the only way i will finish a book. it has to catch my attention from the start. i could not wait to see what happened next. this book was absolutely amazing.

I really enjoyed how the plot intertwined and the author led us slowly into understanding the situation of what was happening before giving the reader an even bigger twist. The characters were like able and easy to understand and the book overall was a pretty easy read.

While it isn't Walk Two Moons, Creech once again succeeded in crafting delightful characters. There are lessons to be learned and secrets to be discovered as the characters search for a family and a home to call their own.

I really cherished reading this book. I think that Sharon Creech did an excellent job writing this book and I can't wait to read her other books. In third grade my teacher read me " Hate That Cat"And I absolutely loved it. I think that Sharon Creech is a very skilled author and once again, that I loved this book.

Two girls growing up in small-town America stumble across a strange boy. Across the ocean in Ireland, an old lady and her companion have secrets to tell. Gradually the two worlds become interlinked until family histories unravel.This was an intriguing book. Creech writes in a way that keeps the reader's interest and leaves you wanting more. I couldn't put the book down as I wanted to find out how the story would unfold. Although written for young teens, I still enjoyed it as an adult.Recommended!

I got so caught up in Naomi and Lizzie's lives I couldn't put it down. Great storytelling! A must read.

Beautiful

I bought this book for my stepdaughter for Christmas. She has already finished it! It is great entertainment and she loved it.

My 12 year old son loves this book. He said it’s one of his favourites so far.