Pictures of Hollis Woods is a young adult novel by Patricia Reilly Giff that was published in 2002 and received a Newbery Honor Award in 20032. The story follows Hollis Woods, a 12-year-old girl who has been in the foster care system since she was abandoned as a baby3.

Key aspects of the novel include:

Plot Summary

• Hollis is a talented young artist who has moved between many foster homes23.
• The story alternates between Hollis's current placement with Josie Cahill, a retired art teacher, and her memories of a previous foster family, the Regans3.
• Hollis forms a close bond with Josie, who is beginning to suffer from memory loss3.
• When Hollis learns she may be moved to a new home, she takes Josie to the Regans' summer cabin to avoid being separated3.

Main Characters

• Hollis Woods - The 12-year-old protagonist and gifted artist
• Josie Cahill - Hollis's current foster parent, a retired art teacher
• The Regans - A previous foster family Hollis was close to, including:
  • Steven Regan - The son
  • Izzy Regan - The mother
  • "Old Man" Regan - The father
• Beatrice - Josie's cousin and friend23

Themes

The novel explores themes of family, belonging, artistic expression, and overcoming past trauma. Hollis uses her art to process her experiences and emotions throughout the story3.

Film Adaptation

In 2007, the book was adapted into a Hallmark Hall of Fame television film starring:

• Jodelle Ferland as Hollis Woods
• Sissy Spacek as Josie Cahill
• Alfre Woodard as Edna Reilly (Hollis's social worker)14

The film follows the basic plot of the novel, depicting Hollis's journey to find a permanent home and family while dealing with Josie's declining memory45.

Both the novel and film adaptation have received positive reviews for their touching portrayal of a foster child's search for belonging and the power of art to heal and connect people35.