Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff

     In Patricia Reilly Giff's book, "Picture of Hollis Woods" the protagonist is an orphan girl who has been to more foster homes than she can count. She runs away from every home she is placed in. Even from the Regans, the one family that offers her a home. But when she is sent to live with the old women named Josie, she wants to stay. Josie was careless, fun, but extremely forgetful. Social Services found out about Josie and is taking Hollis away. But Hollis isn't about to let them take Josie away from her. She plans to escape but this time, with Josie.

     During the book the Hollis describes pictures she drew in the past. Then memories that went with the drawings. This way the author uses flashbacks to show the reader Hollis's past. She reveals what happened in the past with the Regan family. And why Hollis would leave the only family she loved. This makes the story exciting and leaves you wondering what will happen next.

     The way the book goes back and forth between the present with Josie and the past with the Regans. It's fun and exciting. I love all the different characters. Hollis is spunky but innocent deep down inside. Josie is gorgeous and sweet. And all the Regans are intriguing and happy people. I can't wait to get to the end.

Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick

     Rodman Philbrick's "Freak the Mighty" follows a protagonist named Maxwell Kane, a teenage boy who lives with his grandparents. Max is huge for his age and scares everyone. Still, his brain is extremely small and he never speaks. But worst of all, his father is Killer Kane. A murderer who is locked up in jail. But then he meets Freak. A small boy who's insides grow faster than the rest of his body. He has a huge brain and a lot of self confidence. They use each others strengths to go on adventures and become heros.

     Freak teaches Max how to use his brain and stand up against bullies. Max becomes the body and Freak becomes the brain. They learn from each other and become best friends. Max realizes that he's smart and after being made fun off, he's not like his scary father. While Freak learns he can make friends and explore even without a proper body.

     When Max gets kidnapped by his crazy father, Freak out smarts him. Freak also teaches Max how to read and write. But when Freak ends up in the hospital. Max can't imagine life without him. When Max finds out he is dead he feels like his whole life was over.

     The two friends needed each other and were practically one person. Sometimes friends are the same way. Your differences are what what make a good friendship. Their characteristics benefit the other person. Just like "Freak the Mighty."

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell

     In Scott O'Dell's "Island of the Blue Dolphins" the protagonist is a young girl named Karana, who is the daughter of the chief of the island. When her father is killed and everyone leaves the island. Karana and her brother, Ramo, are left alone. But when her brother is killed by the wild dogs she really is left alone. She has to fend for herself by making weapons, a house and cooking food. She is resourceful and after months and months of taking care of herself, a boat comes to take her away. She decides its time to leave the island like everyone else.

    The beginning of the book started off slowly and I didn't think I was going to like it. I had never been into reading historical fiction. But as it went on I fell in love with the protagonist couldn't stop reading. The whole book I kept thinking about what I would have done if I were the one stranded on an island alone.

     I definitely recommend this book to someone who wants to try something new and can handle a slow start. I really enjoyed it and am going to pick up some other Scott O'Dell books!