Pictures of Hollis Woods
on Goodreads (30,225)
What’s inside...
A twelve-year-old orphan named Hollis Woods, who was abandoned at a young age and has lived in numerous foster homes, finally finds a sense of belonging with Josie, an elderly and quirky artist. As Hollis reflects on her past and the one other time she felt truly cared for in a foster home, she fights for her first real home. This Newbery Honor book captures the emotional journey of a girl searching for the family she has never known.
Age
10-12
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Hollis Woods
Steven Regan
Izzy Regan
Josie Cahill
The Old Man (Mr. Regan)
The Mustard Woman
Josie
Discussion points
How do you think Hollis feels when she moves to a new foster home? Can you relate to her emotions?
What does the term 'family' mean to you after reading about Hollis' experiences?
How do the pictures drawn by Hollis help us to understand her story and feelings?
What did you learn about friendship and trust from Hollis and Josie's relationship?
Do you think it's important to have a place where you feel like you belong? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in Hollis' shoes and imagine how they would feel in similar situations.
Discuss the concept of family and belonging, reinforcing that family can be formed in many different ways beyond biological ties.
Use Hollis' artwork as a starting point to discuss how art can be a form of expression and communication. Consider creating art together that reflects your child’s emotions or experiences.
Highlight the importance of trust and open communication in relationships, discussing scenes where these played a crucial role.
Promote critical thinking by discussing different decisions characters made and exploring their outcomes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of belonging and family
Explanation: The protagonist, Hollis Woods, a foster child, goes through multiple homes searching for a place where she truly belongs. Through her journey, readers see the emotional impact of finding and losing families.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the value of acceptance and belonging, encouraging them to appreciate their family and social connections.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Hollis shows immense resilience as she faces the uncertainties of her life in foster care. Her ability to adapt and her persistence to find a place where she feels loved are prominently displayed.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to persevere through their own struggles and understand that resilience can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: The power of forgiveness
Explanation: The story explores forgiveness, particularly how Hollis learns to forgive herself and others for past mistakes and misunderstandings.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of forgiveness, fostering a culture of understanding and compassion in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Self-expression through art
Explanation: Hollis is a talented artist, and through her drawings, she expresses her feelings and memories. Her art becomes a pivotal part of her identity and how she relates to the world.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their own talents and hobbies as a form of self-expression and emotional release.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: The book delves into the complexity of emotions felt by foster children and their guardians, offering a deep understanding of each character’s perspective.
Real-World Application: Helps children develop empathy and a deeper understanding of different life experiences, encouraging them to be more open and supportive of others.