Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff

Pictures of Hollis Woods. By Patricia Reilly Giff. Wendy Lamb Books, c2002. 166 pages.

Plot:
The main character is Hollis Woods, a twelve year old orphan who was abandoned as an infant and shuttled through countless foster homes. The story unfolds with Hollis’ time with Josie, an eccentric and aging retired art teacher. Throughout her life Hollis has found solace in drawing pictures. Her relationship with Josie gives meaning, purpose and acknowledgment to her art. Hollis, rather than running away, as she has done from so many other foster homes, finds joy in her life with Josie and takes on a sense of caring for her as she starts to lose the ability to care for herself. Interspersed among the chapters with Josie, Hollis flashes back to the Regans, the only family that ever wanted to adopt her and who she longed to be a part of.

Review/Personal thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are well-developed and the themes of abandonment, family, foster care, self-worth, acceptance and belonging are present and also well-developed. This is a very touching story that ultimately holds hope for its readers. I was especially moved by a scene in which Hollis had brought in a picture to represent the letter W and her teacher is recalled: "She was the one who marked in the X, spoiling my picture. She pointed. ' This is a picture of a family, Hollis. A mother, M, a father, F, a brother, B, a sister, S. They're standing in front of their house, H. I don't see one W word here, young lady.' "I opened my mouth to say: How about W for wish, or W for want, or W for 'Wouldn't it be loverly,' like the song the music teacher had taught us? "But Mrs. Evans was at the next table by that time, shushing me over her shoulder." Powerful...

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Reading Level: 4.4 Interest level: Ages 9 to 12

Awards: Many including;
John Newberry Medal, 2003
Christopher Award, 2003 Winner Ages 10-12
Notable Children's Books, 2003 ; ALSC American Library Association
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2003
Great Middle School Reads, 2004 ; ALSC American Library Association
California Young Reader Medal, 2005-2006