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42 pages 1 hour read

The Great Gilly Hopkins

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1978

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Book Brief

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Katherine Paterson

The Great Gilly Hopkins

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1978
Book Details
Pages

160

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Maryland • 1970s

Publication Year

1978

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

800L

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.2

23,769 ratings

67%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Great Gilly Hopkins?

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.

4.2

23,769 ratings

67%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

160

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Maryland • 1970s

Publication Year

1978

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

800L

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