Ellen Foster Book

"When I was little I would think of ways to kill my daddy." That's quite an opening line!

I chose this book because I was wanting to read classic-American-literature and was also hovering around award-winners. This novella is both.

Ellen has survived a childhood filled with abuse and neglect, yet her spirit never fails. She has a results-oriented, get-it-done attitude which causes her to hatch a plan... she's going to find herself a new family.

There are so many beautiful moments within this story, made all the more beautiful when contrasted against the difficult ones. It was interesting to learn why Ellen had given herself the last name of Foster. Her 11-year-old mind did not yet understand that a "foster family" was not a family with the last name of Foster. 😊

It's those types of sweet moments that will touch your heart. I found this story to be more heart-warming than heart-breaking. Ellen will stay with me for a very long time.