Beginning of Essay
Kaye Gibbons has created a hero for young children living in adverse family conditions. She named the hero Ellen Foster, which is also the title of the book containing the “autobiography” of this girl. Ellen is a charming, real child. She tells the reader i ....

Middle of Essay
.... father. Avoiding confrontation is a major trait she learns from her parents. She also gains the role of caregiver while taking care of herself and of her mother. She protects her mother from her father. She becomes an adult over night after her mother’s death, shopping for herself and practically being her own parent. Fear and loneliness are emotions felt by Ellen after her mother dies. No child should be afraid in its own home, yet Ellen always takes this in stride. Her matter-of-fact way of recounting the events leads the reader to believe she believes this is the way it is for her. She understands life is not fair, however, there is not ....