THE GREAT GILLY HOPKINS 

Character List:

– Gilly Hopkins

– Maime Trotter (“Trotter”)

– William Ernest

– Mr. Randolph

– Ms. Ellis

– Ms. Barbara

– Ms. Courtney

“The Great Gilly Hopkins” is a compelling story about a young foster child named Gilly Hopkins. Gilly is a rash and naughty girl who loves to make trouble. Having been through many foster homes, she is finally sent to live with Maime Trotter, where she meets William Ernest, a shy little boy who is also in Trotter’s care.

At first, Gilly and William Ernest don’t get along. Gilly’s primary goal is to meet her birth mother, whom she has never known. She begins sending letters and saving money, hoping to move to California to meet her mom.

In her desperation to gather funds, Gilly resorts to stealing from Mr. Randolph, a blind man who lives next door. She discovers cash stashed in his library and attempts to steal twice, managing to save only $36. Not satisfied with this amount, Gilly manipulates her friends and William Ernest to help her steal more money.

One day, Gilly finds Trotter’s purse and steals money from it, finally acquiring enough to escape. However, her plan is foiled when she reaches the bus station, as the clerk calls the police. Trotter and William Ernest come to take her home. Initially resistant, Gilly relents when she sees William Ernest crying.

Ms. Ellis, the officer in charge of foster care, arrives to remove Gilly from Trotter’s home. However, Trotter stubbornly insists that Gilly should stay. Gilly is warned about her stealing and is given household chores to earn money and make amends.

Unexpectedly, Mr. Randolph falls ill with the flu, which then spreads to Trotter and William Ernest. Gilly, showing a softer side, takes good care of them all. As she becomes attached to her new family, Gilly’s grandmother suddenly appears, revealing that she hadn’t known Gilly was alive. She announces her intention to take Gilly to live with her.

Trotter and William Ernest are heartbroken but powerless to prevent Gilly’s departure, as her legal family is claiming her. Gilly leaves with a heavy heart but soon adapts to life with her grandmother, realizing that she, too, is lonely.

One day, Gilly’s mother informs them that she will visit. Overwhelmed with excitement, Gilly eagerly anticipates the moment she has waited for all her life. However, the visit proves disappointing. Her mother is nothing like Gilly had imagined, stays for only two days, and relied on Gilly’s grandmother to fund the trip.

Disillusioned, Gilly contemplates running away and calls Trotter, expressing her desire to return. Trotter, however, advises against it, imparting wisdom about life’s inherent challenges and the importance of perseverance.

After much introspection, Gilly decides to stay with her grandmother and mother, accepting her new reality. The book beautifully portrays Gilly’s transformation from a troublesome child to a more understanding and mature individual. This character development is both realistic and touching, making “The Great Gilly Hopkins” a poignant exploration of family, belonging, and personal growth.

I would give 3.5/5 for this book.