Pictures of Hollis Woods (urspr publ 2002; utgåvan 2004)

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I picked this one up at a local used book store for less than $2. I hadn't watched the movie, though I do plan to now, and was curious as to how they made a film from such a short book (probably a one day read or shorter.) I was completely surprised by how much emotion and substance the author has packed into what appears at first glance to be a pre-teen book. It definitely still qualifies as being for teens, even young teens, but is an excellent book for any age. The story follows an orphan, Hollis Woods, as she moves into a new foster home under the care of an eccentric artist who is quickly becoming lost in the effects of dementia. Hollis frequently looks back on her past experiences in foster homes, many of which she ran away from, including the only foster family where she felt like she belonged. I loved her care and loyalty to Josie Cahill. I think it shows that even those children the system deems as troubled and perhaps not worth their time, are really just lost children needing to find their place of belonging. This is one book I'm so glad I picked up. ( )

A great story! ( )

A realistic fiction novel about a 12 year old girl who has lived in numerous foster homes. She has recently been placed in a home where she could be at home, but she runs away to rescue an elderly artist that is becoming more and more forgetful. As Hollis wrestles with her past, present, and future, she makes many discoveries along the way and finds a talent that helps her remember as she moves forward. A Newbery Honor Book. ( )

I have not read this book, but it seems like a good book to introduce to students who come from broken households or difficult childhoods.