Ellen Foster Summary

In the wake of her mother's untimely death from a medication overdose, eleven-year-old Ellen is left in the care of her abusive, alcoholic father. After enduring physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, she finds solace in her friend Starletta's home, which provides a much-needed refuge from her father's repulsive company. However, her life takes a turn when her school teacher notices a bruise on her arm, leading to her relocation to the home of Julia and Roy, the school's art teacher and her husband. Their caring nature, combined with Starletta's friendship, provides Ellen with a sense of belonging, only for her to be uprooted again when her grandmother claims custody.

Ellen's grandmother shows her no love, putting her to work on her farm and blaming her for her mother's death, insisting that she is a reflection of her despicable father. During her stay, Ellen's father dies, a loss that unexpectedly leaves her with a sense of distant sadness. Her grandmother, however, is enraged by her display of grief, and Ellen ends up emotionally scarred. Ellen also uncovers her grandmother's manipulation, revealing that she paid her uncles to spy on her and her father. When her grandmother falls ill, Ellen cares for her, fearing blame for her eventual death. Upon her grandmother's passing, Ellen decorates her body with artificial flowers in an attempt to deceive God into allowing her into heaven.

Following this, Ellen finds herself in the care of her aunt Nadine and cousin Dora, who treat her dismissively, deeming her "cheap." Despite their cruelty, Ellen paints them a picture of two cats for Christmas, expressing her hope for a gift in return. Her expectations are shattered when she receives only a pack of art paper and overhears them mocking her painting. Feeling defeated, she leaves their home and seeks refuge with a woman known as the “Foster lady.” The Foster lady welcomes Ellen into her home, promising to negotiate her adoption. As Ellen settles into her new home, she invites Starletta for a sleepover, a bold move given the racial divide. Ellen confesses her past prejudices to Starletta, acknowledging that it was Starletta, not herself, who has had to face the most adversity.