Eleven year old Gilly Hopkins has been living in foster care been through a few homes. She has become tough, hardened and distrustful as a result. Hope comes only from the thought of reuniting with her mother someday. Gilly is placed in a new home with a cast of unusual characters and over time Gilly finds herself softening. Just when she feels safe and loved in her new home, her grandmother finds her and takes her back to live with her and eventually reunites with her mother. Some language used could be offensive to the reader.A story told in chronological order from Gilly's omniscient point of view. Conflict can be found between Gilly and herself as she fights off trusting her new family and teacher. Themes of loss, family, love, trust and consequences of actions are here in the story. Gilly's character is unpleasant, racist, bratty in the beginning and her actions are frustrating. As the story continues, she becomes lovable.
I wasn't wild about the book in the beginning. I found her character hard to like and I wonder what children think of her? As a rule, I wouldn't recommend it for a hesitant reader. The pace was slower in the beginning. Towards the end, I found Gilly's story more compelling.
Paterson, K. (1978). The great gilly hopkins. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
ISBN: 0590613898
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