Hollis Woods was named after the place where she was abandoned as a baby. Hollis is now 12-years-old and has been in many foster homes. She's a mountain of trouble, quick to run away, even from the Regans, the one family that offered her a permanent home. Next Hollis finds herself with Josie, an elderly artist, and she wants to stay. But Josie is growing forgetful, and if social services finds out, they'll take Hollis away and send Josie to live in a home. Well, Hollis Woods has escaped the system before; this time, she's taking Josie with her. Yet behind all her plans, Hollis longs for her life with the Regans, fixing each moment of her time with them in pictures she'll never forget.
Foster child Hollis Wood's latest "home" is with loving but increasingly absent-minded Josey Kale. Threatened with yet another move, Hollis plans a daring trip to a house abandoned for the winter. She reflects on its owners, her previous foster family, and the events that keep her from accepting them. Through her drawings, Hollis makes an emotional journey that will lead her to her true home. Hope Davis gives a gentle, captivating performance as the life-hardened girl who processes her doubts about being part of a real family. Slight changes in vocalization make the supporting characters distinct and just as enchanting as Hollis Woods herself. J.M.P. 2003 ALA Notable Recording (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine
