The Great Unexpected by Sharon Creech Ages 8+ 240 pages Harpercollins September 2012 Hardcover     Books aimed at younger readers rarely crossover to attract older readers. Winnie the Pooh, A Wrinkle in Time and Charlotte's Web represent a small portion of children's books that have brought in more mature audiences. Hamilton's newest is aimed at readers aged 8 - 12, but it falls into that rare world of the aforementioned titles: this may appeal to teens and older. Twelve-year-old Naomi is a bit crazy. She has been tainted by a violent past but still manages to maintain a level of sensibility--that is, until a wee Irishman tumbles from a tree, knocks her over, and becomes her first childhood crush. Naomi's best friend is Lizzie Scatterding, who also lives in the town of Blackbird Tree. The two of them suffer from the psychological wounds of orphans. Creech loves her characters and imbues them with heart and strength. Naomi and Lizzie have been hurt by life, but they plough forward. This is the story of their courage and friendship.     web reviews   Steven Rosen/2012 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)