Pictures of Hollis Woods

It is impossible to plumb the depths of this novel. The surface reading level is 4-5th grade, but the content touches themes that will resonate more deeply with adults. Dementia, family, belonging, and foster care, are just a few of the themes that Giff deftly handles in this dual-timeline novel. I HIGHLY recommend this book as a teaching novel, especially for ESL adults.

This is truly a beautiful book. Thank goodness there are no illustrations! They would obliterate the reader’s opportunity to imagine Hollis’ sketches and drawings to the detriment of the story. This is a moving, but not maudlin story that I think may help young people coming from typical families ( whatever that is) to see what a foster child goes through. Maybe an opportunity to develop empathy for others. I’m a grandmother and this story brought tears to my eyes. I recommend it to young and old - together!

I adored this book, I bought it because my fiancé said he had read it in 6th grade and since I’m becoming a teacher I’m trying to build my library. I could really picture what was going on and the emotions she felt. I loved it so much I had my niece read it and she’s 9. She also loved it. So perfect for people of all ages!

Good story with likeable character, but the writer did not use enough emphasis on a major reveal in this story. Also I felt like it hit too close to heart for anyone with a loved one who has a memory disorder. But still a good story that you should read.

This story leads the reader from the past to the present in a series of short chapters which due to their length, keeps the reader engaged. I successfully used it for a class project which had to meet a variety of reading levels. I only wish I could have purchased more than one copy; 3-4 copies would have been great.

My duaghter had to read this for school (4th grade). She listened to it rather than actually reading it, but I read it so we could discuss it. It's very well written and a quick read for an adult. I think it gave my daughter a good picture of what life can be like for a foster child.

I got this book for my sister for Christmas. Shipping was fast and the paper back was exactly what she wanted, it’s an easy read with a good story line. A quick read :)

My high school aged niece has always been a reluctant reader. Librarian me gave her a book or two each month last year. I selected books from the Newbury Medal Award given each year for the best children's/young adult book for a given year. I wanted her to learn about those periods of history that aren't found in her history textbooks. Pictures of Hollis Woods introduced the subject of foster care and a girl's wish for a forever family. That book brought on knowledge of foster care for my niece.

génial très belle histoire, domage qu'elle n'existe pas en français. mais quand même super!!!je recommande au plus grand nombre, petits et grands

I read this in school growing up and it became a favourite of mine quickly. An easy read for an adult, but the story could be enjoyed by all ages (at least I think so). “Drawing is what you see of the world, truly see. (...) And sometimes what you see is so deep in your head you’re not even sure of what you’re seeing. But when it’s down there on paper, and you look at it, really look, you’ll see the way things are.” “You’ve got a smiley face,” he said. “We could put you on a stamp and sell it all over Branches.” “Too bad you didn’t take your thumb off the lens,” I told him. “Too bad you dropped the oar,” he said. “It’s floating away.“ The book itself came in fantastic condition and I am so glad to finally have it in my home library!!

Amazing book. So well written. Didn’t want to put it down