Giff, P. A. (2002). Pictures of Hollis Woods. N. Y., N. Y.: Scholastic
Hollis Woods has unsuccessfully lived in many foster homes foster homes, with one of her foster parents referring to her as a “bundle of trouble.” Often she runs away, but finally she finds a placement, which is a great fit. This family loves her and Hollis loves them back. In this home, Hollis’s natural gift for art flourishes, and she is quite happy.
The happiness is snapped when Hollis makes a bad decision, and she decides to move on, even though the family wants her to stay.
Hollis’s next placement is with a loving elderly woman artist, who is going senile. Instead of the woman taking care of Hollis, Hollis takes care of the woman, and there is mutual love. Again Hollis’s art flourishes. Things don’t stay stable, and Hollis has to make some adult decisions, which would scare most adults. As Hollis makes these decisions, she weighs the positive and negative with compassion and empathy. When Hollis is in these situations, she is a great role model for tweens.
Hollis Woods is troubled protagonist, but she is one strong female character. She knows what she wants (to be in a family) but she has a lot of trouble obtaining it, but she never gives up.
Giff writes of Hollis with such compassion and care. Also, her use of flashbacks is quite effective. I recommend this book highly, especially for anyone who wants to read about a strong female protagonist.
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