Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of The Great Gilly Hopkins

The Great Gilly Hopkins
The Great Gilly Hopkins
Author: Katherine Paterson
ISBN-13: 9780590613897
ISBN-10: 0590613898
Publication Date: 1995
Pages: 148
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 38

3.9 stars, based on 38 ratings
Publisher: Scholastic
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

11 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed The Great Gilly Hopkins on + 3352 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
In 1978, calling on experience with just such people as are in this book, classic children's author Katherine Paterson wrote this novel about a tough foster girl and how she learns the hard lessons of life. It will be well understood by todays older elementary school reader.
skywriter319 avatar reviewed The Great Gilly Hopkins on + 784 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Although written over 30 years ago, THE GREAT GILLY HOPKINS will still be a cute read for the avid young reader, despite the fact that some aspects of the book, particularly the racist element, may be dated. Gilly is fiercely determined to hold on to her gruffness, which may delight young girls who love their anti-heroines. And yet she has a definite soft side, even though she may not want to admit it. I chuckled as Gillys attempts to stay cold and detached often backfired on her. Gilly comes from a time when racism is still latent, and so some of her reactions to people may be a little uncomfortable for us. Still, its important to note that the book itself isnt a racist book, and that over the course of the book Gilly grows. I have other juvenile fiction contemporary favorites out there, but this one isnt so bad.
Hellraiser avatar reviewed The Great Gilly Hopkins on + 110 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I found this children's novel to be touching and quite enjoyable when I was younger. I feel the same way now, after reading it again as an adult. It is by the author of Bridge to Terabithia.
reviewed The Great Gilly Hopkins on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The one thing wants is a home of her own. If only she could find her mother and live with her. Instead she finds herself in yet another foster home. At first Gilly despises her new home but she learns to love everyone and is drawn into there circle of love.
reviewed The Great Gilly Hopkins on + 552 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Trophy Newbery; Winner of the National Book Award for Children's Literature; Book has won many awards.
This perceptive story draws strength from its finely delineated characters and rich, moving narrative.
Bayberry avatar reviewed The Great Gilly Hopkins on + 12 more book reviews
I read this book years ago and loved it. Anyone thinking about getting into Foster Care or adopting an older child should like reading this book. Also a good book for teens to read to better understand peers who are foster children.
reviewed The Great Gilly Hopkins on
awesome book to read when you have some free time
reviewed The Great Gilly Hopkins on + 10 more book reviews
Very Good Classic funny kids book.
reviewed The Great Gilly Hopkins on + 87 more book reviews
Gilly Hopkins is a determined-to-be-unpleasant 11-year-old foster kid who the reader can't help but like by the end. Gilly has been in the foster system all her life, and she dreams of getting back to her (as she imagines) wonderful mother. (The mother makes these longings worse by writing the occasional letter.) Gilly is all the more determined to leave after she's placed in a new foster home with a "gross guardian and a freaky kid." But she soon learns about illusions--the hard way. This Newbery Honor Book manages to treat a somewhat grim, and definitely grown-up theme with love and humor, making it a terrific read for a young reader who's ready to learn that "happy" and "ending" don't always go together. (Ages 9 to 12)
reviewed The Great Gilly Hopkins on + 13 more book reviews
Not one of my favorites.
reviewed The Great Gilly Hopkins on + 219 more book reviews
Gilly Hopkins is a determined-to-be-unpleasant 11-year-old foster kid who the reader can't help but like by the end. Gilly has been in the foster system all her life, and she dreams of getting back to her (as she imagines) wonderful mother. (The mother makes these longings worse by writing the occasional letter.) Gilly is all the more determined to leave after she's placed in a new foster home with a "gross guardian and a freaky kid." But she soon learns about illusions--the hard way. This Newbery Honor Book manages to treat a somewhat grim, and definitely grown-up theme with love and humor, making it a terrific read for a young reader who's ready to learn that "happy" and "ending" don't always go together.