Common Sense Media Review
Brash foster-kid tale a great choice for reluctant readers.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 15 kid reviews
Kids say the book offers a mixed experience, with some readers finding it dull and unpleasant due to its unlikable protagonist and frequent profanity, while others appreciate its intriguing storyline and relatable themes of foster care and self-identity. Overall, it seems best suited for older children who can handle its mature content.
- unlikable character
- curse words
- mixed reviews
- relatable themes
- suited for older kids
- entertaining elements
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Gilly is one tough kid. She intends to destroy every one of her foster mothers so she can live with her mysterious real mother. She meets her match in Mrs. Trotter, an overweight, uneducated woman whose only weapon is total love for her foster kids. Can Gilly prevail against that?
Is It Any Good?
Katherine Paterson has created a believable character in Gilly, and readers learn how pain drives the bad behavior of this foster kid. Gilly ridicules Mrs. Trotter's deep religious faith and defies her at every turn, but she just can't escape the woman's relentless love. Readers will be satisfied with the ending, as Gilly resolves her issues and learns to love and be loved. A great choice for reluctant readers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about expectations. Why are Gilly's expectations for her mother so high? How does Gilly try to protect herself from disappointment?
How does Gilly compare with other strong female characters? What other books have you read that feature spunky, strong-willed girls?
What did you learn about the foster-care system from The Great Gilly Hopkins?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Family Life
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperTrophy
- Publication date : January 1, 1978
- Number of pages : 148
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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