Pictures of Hollis Woods Reading Comprehension Worksheets

NOTE: These sample pages may be from another book, but all of our workbooks are the same. They contain several vocabulary and comprehension questions per chapter, or section.

Published in 2002, “Pictures of Hollis Woods” is a young adult novel penned by Patricia Reilly Giff. The narrative revolves around Hollis Woods, a 12-year-old girl who, throughout her life, has shuffled in and out of foster homes, yearning for a place where she truly fits in.

Hollis’s journey takes a turn when she becomes the ward of Josie, an elderly artist. Under Josie’s care, Hollis begins to experience the warmth of a real home and the sense of belonging she’s always sought. However, her turbulent history and the challenge of forming meaningful connections with others cast a shadow over her opportunity for a permanent family.

While grappling with her past and her quest for identity, Hollis stumbles upon the therapeutic and connective potential of art and self-expression. Throughout her odyssey, she finds support in her newfound companions, including a young lad named Reuben and a compassionate social worker named Miss Edith.

“Pictures of Hollis Woods” stands as an emotive and contemplative narrative about the pursuit of acceptance, family bonds, and the transformational influence of artistic expression. The novel was distinguished with the Newbery Honor in 2003, underscoring its status as one of the most outstanding works of children’s literature for that year.