Pictures of Hollis Woods

By Patricia Reilly Giff

A girl fights to keep her newfound family together against all odds.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 30,891 ratings

166 pages· 31,508 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

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Bookroo's summary

Twelve-year-old Hollis Woods has bounced between foster homes, never finding a true family. When she meets Josie, a forgetful but loving artist, Hollis finally feels at home. But as Josie's memory fades, Social Services threatens to separate them. Determined to stay together, Hollis plans an escape, all while cherishing memories of a summer with the Regans. Can Hollis protect her new family and find a place to belong? This heartfelt tale explores the power of art, memory, and the longing for a true home.

From the publisher

This Newbery Honor book about a girl who has never known family fighting for her first true home “will leave readers . . . satisfied” (Kirkus Reviews). Hollis Woods is the place where a baby was abandoned is the baby’s name is an artist is now a twelve-year-old girl who’s been in so many foster homes she can hardly remember them all. When Hollis is sent to Josie, an elderly artist who is quirky and affectionate, she wants to stay. But Josie is growing more forgetful every day. If Social Services finds out, they’ll take Hollis away and move Josie into a home. Well, Hollis Woods won’t let anyone separate them. She’s escaped the system before; this time, she’s taking Josie with her. Still, even as she plans her future with Josie, Hollis dreams of the past summer with the Regans, fixing each special moment of her days with them in pictures she’ll never forget. Patricia Reilly Giff captures the yearning for a place to belong in this warmhearted story, which stresses the importance of artistic vision, creativity, and above all, family.