Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Ellen Foster
Book Review: A New Favorite
Summary: 4 Stars
I just finished reading a marvelous novel in my English 3 Honors class by an author named Kaye Gibbons. The name of that novel was Ellen Foster.Gibbons Journeys into the roller coaster ride of a young girl's childhood. The main character, Ellen, experiences everything from the death of a few family members to the criticism of having a colored friend. The entire story made me wonder how many children live with such traumas happening in their lives. Gibbons choice for dialogue is unigue. I believe she chose to write the story in that way to allow the reader to see the entire story from the point of view of the person it all is happening to. Not many authors choose to write in that style. Gibbons is somewhat of a rebel in her writing style. Besides her grammer technigue, Gibbons tackles situations not commonly mentioned in a novel. These situations are based on Ellen's family, friends, and neighborhood. Her father being a drunk and abusive man, her best friend being a colored girl, her neighbors whispering about the way she conducts herself, these are some of the situations Gibbons writes about throughtout the story. Gibbons also makes each character come alive in his/her actions. Many instances of this appear throughout the story. Ellen's best friend, Starletta's actions, such as her breaking her own crayons, make you picture her as a typical little girl. Another instance of Gibbons's way iis in Ellen herself. Gibbons has her preform actions an adult would most likely do, such as paying the household bills. Although she still allows Ellen to maintain a sense of being a child in her actions. An example of that is when Ellen is confused about the last name of her new family, Foster. Ellen has a simple child's misunderstanding. Gibbons is now one of my favorite authors. I will be looking for other pieces she may have written. I just hope they will be as good as this one.Book Review: A Role Model
Summary: 5 Stars
As a senior in a very demanding high school I lead a very busy life. I never have much time to spend relaxing but I make time for Kaye Gibbons, Ellen Foster. I could not put this book down after I read the first line. It is a book that made me laugh, cry, and think about the real world. It portrays a girl who lives in a society where child abuse is not as pervasive as it is today. Ellen Foster is living in a very harsh environment. Not only does her mother die while she is a young girl but her only parent left is an alcoholic, abusive father. Ellen is forced to grow up and become an adult at her young age. Ellen knows what is best for herself and she strives to achieve it. Leaving her father, she hopes to find a better home, a better environment, and, most importantly, a new mother. Living in a time of discrimination does not bother Ellen, either. She learns to love her best friend Starletta for who she really is inside instead of hating her for the color of her skin. Ellen ignores society and lives her life as she wants to live it instead of how she is told to live it. She does not listen to what other people say nor does she do what they want her to. She does what she believes to be the right thing in her heart, saving herself from years of abuse that could even kill her as it did her mother. I believe Ellen Foster is a role model for any little girl who lives a similar life to Ellen. In today's society abuse from a parent is all too familiar. It takes a great deal of strength for a young child to get out of an abusive household. Ellen overcomes her weaknesses to do what is best for her. Ellen never wants to be someone else. She only dreams of being a better "Ellen" and this is what other abuse victims need to do. I would definitely recommend this book to any person. It has a way of captivating any heart and taking it along throughout the story of one little girl who overcomes her fears and harsh reality. Kaye Gibbons does a great job. She expresses true reality though Ellen and has a way to reach out to people of all ages and either sex. I thank Kaye Gibbons.Book Review: A Sad Story With Some Attitude
Summary: 4 Stars
Ellen Foster is the loveable hero, right? Well, kind of. The novel entitled by the same name, written by Kaye Gibbons shows us a unique hell on wheels character, who by the time she's turned 8 years old, had been through more things than some 70 year olds live to see. The novel tries to be a sad portrait of Ellen's life, but instead, we are amazed and intriuged the most by the way Ellen seems to always bounce back from her troubled times. We don't feel sorry for Ellen we admire her for her couragesness, and "I'm my own person and to hell with you," attitude. Ellen Foster oddly reminded me a little bit of the novel Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson. Although Speak is a better novel, Ellen seems to be the same type od character as Melinda from that novel. The only major difference is in the way the authors prsent their main characters. Eith way, both novels have a point to make, and they make it emphatically.Book Review: A Spirited Story
Summary: 5 Stars
Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons is a must read for everyone. The story of Ellen Foster is told through the eyes of a little girl. This point of view furnishes the tale with a more intimate atmosphere. With every turn of the pages, you feel as though you genuinely get to know Ellen. You obtain the feeling that you know exactly who Ellen is and what she believes. Throughout the novel, Ellen tells us about all of the trials and tribulations that she has encountered during the course of her life. We are told about the unfortunate death of her mother. This tragic event leaves Ellen in the primary care of her father. Her father, however, is an alcoholic, and Ellen is subject to an immense amount of emotional pain. She often turns to her friend Starletta, a black little girl who is about the same age, for emotional support. After leaving the care of her father, Ellen seeks the care of someone that really loves her. This launches Ellen into a countless quantity of dilemmas. She must go from household to household, never really knowing where she will end up next. Ellen is a very optimistic person, though. She always knows that something better is out there for her. Her bravery and courageousness touches your heart. I recommend this book to everyone. It is a heartwarming tale that will touch your soul. Ellen's irresistable personality will have you feeling emotions that you never knew you had. You will laugh, cry, and smile as you turn page after page of this remarkable novel.Book Review: A Stunning Novel
Summary: 4 Stars
Ellen Foster is the 11 year old girl in this story who is also narrating it. It is written completely from her point of view which gives us great depth into the mindset of this determined young girl. Ellen has to deal with an inordinate amount of tragedy in her life...her mother's passing, her father's brutality and abuse, family members who want nothing to do with her and in the midst of all of this, Ellen has to fight for her own life...a life free of fear and a place where she can call her own. Thanks to a kind teacher, a "foster family" and her one true friend Starletta, Ellen manages to find humour and a sense of identity. Her courage will remain with you long after you finish this book.
I look forward to reading other works by this amazing author.