This Newberry Honor Book shares the story of twelve-year-old Hollis; a foster child with a habit of running away. When she is placed with Josie, a kind and creative artist, Hollis feels safe enough to stay, but now there may be another reason to leave. Written in chapters that alternate between descriptions of Hollis's drawings and events of her current life, this is an ideal text for mini lessons focused on non-linear text structure and plot analysis.

Title: Pictures of Hollis Woods

Author: Patricia Reilly Giff

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: Award Winners, Relationship Skills, Self Awareness, Family, Self Management

ISBN: 9780307542281

Publisher's Summary:

Twelve-year-old Hollis Woods has spent her life moving from one foster home to another, never feeling like she truly belongs. Gifted in art, Hollis expresses her emotions and memories through detailed drawings, capturing both her hopes and her struggles. When she is placed with Josie, a retired art teacher who sees and nurtures Hollis's talent, she begins to experience genuine connection—but Josie's increasing forgetfulness threatens their newfound bond. As Hollis navigates life with Josie, memories of a previous foster family, the Regans, resurface. The Regans offered Hollis the sense of belonging she longed for, but a mysterious event caused her to run away, convinced she had ruined their family. The story unfolds through the interplay of Hollis's present with Josie and flashbacks to her time with the Regans, illuminating her journey toward trust, forgiveness, and self-acceptance. This novel delicately explores themes of belonging, resilience, the meaning of family, and the healing power of creativity. Teachers will find it an excellent springboard for discussions about empathy, foster care, and the importance of art in self-expression.

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