Pictures of Hollis Woods

By: Patricia Reilly Giff

Narrated by: Hope Davis

This Newbery Honor book about a girl who has never known family fighting for her first true home “will leave readers . . . satisfied” (Kirkus Reviews).

Hollis Woods
is the place where a baby was abandoned
is the baby’s name
is an artist
is now a twelve-year-old girl
who’s been in so many foster homes she can hardly remember them all.

When Hollis is sent to Josie, an elderly artist who is quirky and affectionate, she wants to stay. But Josie is growing more forgetful every day. If Social Services finds out, they’ll take Hollis away and move Josie into a home. Well, Hollis Woods won’t let anyone separate them. She’s escaped the system before; this time, she’s taking Josie with her. Still, even as she plans her future with Josie, Hollis dreams of the past summer with the Regans, fixing each special moment of her days with them in pictures she’ll never forget.

Patricia Reilly Giff captures the yearning for a place to belong in this warmhearted story, which stresses the importance of artistic vision, creativity, and above all, family.©2004 Patricia Reilly Giff; (P)2009 Listening Library

Charming and touching

Would you listen to Pictures of Hollis Woods again? Why?

I would listen again. I read this as a kid and find it comforting.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Pictures of Hollis Woods?

The first time Hollis sees Josie's home.

What does Hope Davis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Hope Davis manages to deliver performances of both a teen girl and an elderly woman convincingly. She understands the whimsy and wonder that Hollis sees as a young girl as well as the aloofness and pain that orphandom has brought her.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

You don't have to be perfect to belong perfectly.

Any additional comments?

This book was important for me as a young girl who felt lost. I highly recommend it for young girls and boys around the fourth-grade level on.

Childhood Classic

I read this in English class as a child around Hollis's age, and I still love it so much. The ending nearly brought me to tears, but I had to compose myself as I was driving, and crying on the road isn't the safest thing to do 😅

Love this book

This is just amazing to listen to I can imagine all the scenes in my head.

Delightfully satisfying! Hope Davis narrates beautifully.

The unfolding of Hollis’ life settles into your mind like the marshmallows in her hot cocoa. I purchased Hollis Woods to listen to with my 13 yr old daughter as we drove across state, but even after she fell asleep I couldn’t turn it off. I intentionally drove slower so I could savor the ending and linger over this perfected tale of wonder. I think Hope Davis makes the story come alive more than the author could even have imagined! Her voice is like a gentle stream meandering through an awe-inspiring forest. I rarely listen or read a book twice...but I will be purchasing this one to read for myself, and a few extra to give as gifts.

Best book!

I love this story! It is so sweet and the ending is so beautiful! Please consider reading!