42 pages • 1 hour read
Katherine PatersonA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
160
Novel • Fiction
Maryland • 1970s
1978
Middle grade
8-12 years
800L
The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson follows 11-year-old Gilly Hopkins, a tough, intelligent foster child, as she navigates life in a new foster home in Thompson Park, Maryland during the 1970s. Despite her resistance, she begins to form bonds with her foster family, including Maime Trotter, a shy boy named William Ernest, and a kind elderly neighbor, Mr. Randolph. Gilly dreams of reuniting with her biological mother, leading her to scheme and make difficult choices, but ultimately, she learns the true meaning of family and belonging.
Challenging
Emotional
Bittersweet
Heartwarming
Contemplative
23,769 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson offers a heartfelt exploration of a resilient foster child. Reviews praise its emotional depth, complex characters, and candid portrayal of the foster care system. However, some readers find the protagonist, Gilly, challenging to empathize with due to her abrasive nature. Overall, it's a poignant and thought-provoking read.
A reader who would enjoy The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson likely appreciates heartfelt, character-driven stories about young people overcoming adversity. Fans of Anne of Green Gables and Bridge to Terabithia will find similar themes of personal growth, resilience, and the search for belonging.
23,769 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
160
Novel • Fiction
Maryland • 1970s
1978
Middle grade
8-12 years
800L
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