Chapter Book 14

Title: Pictures of Hollis Woods

Author: Patricia Reilly Giff

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Subgenre: Chapter Book

Themes: Abandonment, Foster homes, Unconditional love

Primary Characters: Hollis Woods, Josie

Date of publication: 2002

Publishing Company: Wendy Lamb Books

Summary: Pictures of Hollis Woods, is a story about a 12 year old girl who is in desperate search for a place to call home - for a family. Hollis was abandoned as a child and spent the rest of her life in the foster care system. The families found Hollis difficult, moody, troublesome, and in the end Hollis always ran away from the family. Hollis is placed with Josie, an older woman who is a retired art teacher, which works out perfectly for Hollis, as she is a very gifted artist herself. Hollis begins to feel that she loves Josie and would like to stay with her. However, Josie forgets things sometimes and needs to depend on Hollis for daily activities. Hollis knows that Josie needs constant care and that if the social worker finds out about Josie’s needs, Hollis will be removed from the home. This book is emotional yet still keeps you rooting for Hollis and Josie to stay together.

In the classroom: This book is a MUST HAVE for a teacher’s library in her classroom. I think it could be a good conversation starter as to who are the most important people in their own lives. I would incorporate an English lesson as to ‘How to write a proper letter’ but in the letter, the student would be telling this person how much they mean to them and thanking them for all that they have done in their lives.