Part one of term paper
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 in common language and in familiar concepts her story of the many changes in hous ...

Part two of term paper
... she faces begin with her parents and progress to other family members, until finally she finds her place. Ellen’s parents set a first-rate example of the dysfunctional marriage. The reader only sees what Ellen tells so there is no way of knowing if the couple is ever in love. Ellen “walks on eggshells” in order to avoid confrontation with her father. Avoiding confrontation is a major trait she learns from her parents. She also gains the role of caregiver while taking care of herse ...