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A review by readingonfordearlife
The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson
5.0
I adored this book. As she did in [b:Bridge to Terabithia|2839|Bridge to Terabithia|Katherine Paterson|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327880087s/2839.jpg|2237401], Katherine Paterson does a masterful job of dealing with tough themes in an appropriate way for middle grade readers. And her characters are always real and full of depth--and Gilly is no exception! 11-year-old Gilly Hopkins is as tough and mean as they come. She is moving on to her fourth foster placement as the book begins, and upon meeting the strange Mrs. Trotter and her foster brother William Ernest, she vows to make their lives miserable. And then she can put a plan in place so that her real mother will come to her rescue...but will she?
Even through all her hurt and anger, I loved Gilly. Though her situation is unusual, I still think this is a book that many kids will enjoy and relate to--who hasn't felt mistreated, angry, or alone at some point? Paterson does an amazing job of showing Gilly's transformation and arc of character development throughout the book. Minor characters were well-developed and multi-dimensional as well. There are some adult themes, such as racism (a version of the n-word is used once or twice) and child abandonment, so I would recommend this book more for middle grade readers, ages 11 and up. This is the touching (I teared up more than a few times!) and heartfelt story of the Great Gilly--you will not be disappointed if you take her on!
Even through all her hurt and anger, I loved Gilly. Though her situation is unusual, I still think this is a book that many kids will enjoy and relate to--who hasn't felt mistreated, angry, or alone at some point? Paterson does an amazing job of showing Gilly's transformation and arc of character development throughout the book. Minor characters were well-developed and multi-dimensional as well. There are some adult themes, such as racism (a version of the n-word is used once or twice) and child abandonment, so I would recommend this book more for middle grade readers, ages 11 and up. This is the touching (I teared up more than a few times!) and heartfelt story of the Great Gilly--you will not be disappointed if you take her on!