Name: Pictures of Hollis Woods
Rating: 4.0625 (16 reviews)
ISBN: 9780440415787

Pictures of Hollis Woods

Eloise

One of the things I really liked about this book was the alternating chapters. While one set of chapters is in the here-and-now, showing us Hollis' life as she sees it, the other set of chapters is based on Hollis' art work, each chapter discussing one of her pictures and the memories that are associated with it. In this way we learn of Hollis' past; her mistakes, her dreams, and her wishes. I really liked it when Beatrice (Josie's cousin) says to Hollis that we often don't really see what's going on when we look at our art, but that eventually the truth will reveal itself in our pictures. That is exactly what happens toward the end: Hollis Woods sees what she has missed all along.

The characters in this book are very real as well. There are so many older kids in the foster care system that get shuttled from one family to another, never really finding a "home". It's good that Hollis isn't a terror; so many books about foster children have them creating havoc wherever they go. Hollis is just looking for love, a family, and somewhere to fit in.

Caroline Lewicki

A very heartwarming story about finding family and learning who you're meant to be. This was a quick read and would be great for 3-5th graders!

Pictures of Hollis Woods

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