Plot Summary: "Ellen Foster" by Kaye Gibbons is a first-person narrative that follows the life of an 11-year-old girl named Ellen, who narrates the story of her tumultuous childhood. The novel begins with Ellen's mother committing suicide by overdosing on her medication, leaving Ellen to face the harsh realities of her home life. Her father, who is an abusive and alcoholic man, further exacerbates her suffering with physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. After her mother's death, Ellen is shuffled from one household to another, experiencing various forms of neglect and abuse.

Eventually, Ellen finds refuge with a foster family, where she begins to heal and find a sense of belonging. The new family provides her with a stable and loving environment, marked by fresh food, a tidy bedroom, and even a pony to ride. Ellen's journey culminates in her newfound hope and self-acceptance, particularly through her friendship with Starletta, a black girl who teaches Ellen about the importance of empathy and equality.

Key Themes:

1. Child Abuse and Neglect: The novel highlights the severe physical, sexual, and psychological abuse Ellen suffers at the hands of her father, as well as the neglect she experiences in various foster homes.
2. Resilience and Hope: Despite the traumatic events she faces, Ellen remains hopeful and determined to find a better life.
3. Empathy and Equality: Through her friendship with Starletta, Ellen learns to appreciate the value of all people regardless of their skin color or background.
4. Appearance vs. Reality: The novel explores how appearances can be deceiving, as Ellen's father is portrayed as a cruel and abusive man despite his appearance of being a normal family man.

Critical Reception:

• Kirkus Reviews: Praised the book for its "child's-eye tale of evil giving way to goodness -- and happily far more spunky than sweet."
• SparkNotes: Describes the novel as a "first-person narrative that follows the eponymous Ellen Foster as she navigates a tumultuous childhood marked by abuse, neglect, and the death of her mother."
• Book Snob: Notes that the novel is about an eleven-year-old girl narrating the tale of an alcoholic, abusive father, a dead mother, an unsympathetic family, and a hopeful ending.

Overall, "Ellen Foster" is a powerful and poignant novel that explores themes of resilience, hope, and the importance of empathy in the face of adversity.