The Story of Tracy Beaker [Paperback]

Jacqueline Wilson (Author), Nick Sharratt (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

TRACY BEAKER'S NOT exactly sure what her mother does, because Tracy has been in foster care for as long as she can remember. Maybe one day Tracy’s mother will show up and reclaim her long-lost daughter, but in the meantime, Tracy’s doing everything she can to take care of herself—even though she has to share her birthday cake. Then a journalist shows up to write a story about their orphanage, and she and Tracy strike up a special friendship.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Wilson (Double Act; Bad Girls) presents an insightful portrait of 10-year-old Tracy in the girl's own words. Readers initially make her acquaintance through entries in a fill-in book entitled "My Book About Me." Her revelations are by turn caustic, funny and heartbreaking. Living in a group home for children after two unsuccessful stints in foster homes, Tracy repeatedly expresses her fervent hope and pitiable conviction that her roaming, much-idolized mother will appear to take her away. "There's not much point making friends because I expect to be moving on soon," resolves the heroine, whose tough-kid veneer is wrenchingly transparent. An aspiring author, Tracy takes solace in her autobiographical writing and her new friendship with Cam, a writer who visits the home while researching an article. Despite Tracy's passionate attempts to persuade Cam to take her in as a foster child, her fate is uncertain at the close of the novel. Yet her indomitable spirit and grit leaves little doubt that she will end up on top. Sharratt's drawings help to keep the mood light, as Wilson again shapes a convincing and memorable heroine with a snappy, fresh voice. Ages 8-12.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-A first-person narrative about a bright and feisty girl. Tracy has spent most of her life in the British foster-care system, always fantasizing that her mother will come back for her. When Cam, a writer, comes to the home to do research for an article, she and Tracy connect. Not intimidated by the angry 10-year-old's tantrums and fibs, Cam exerts a positive influence on Tracy, who finally makes overtures of friendship to some of the other kids. Tracy is at times a tough character to like-she is rude, sarcastic, and unfriendly. However, perceptive readers will quickly see beneath the outrageous tales and bravado a vulnerable youngster desperate to be loved. The book ends rather abruptly, with Tracy asking Cam to be her foster parent, but readers will be glad to know a sequel is imminent. Sharratt's witty cartoonlike drawings enliven this universal tale of a child struggling to belong. Readers will root for Tracy, who never admits to tears, only to attacks of hay fever. A well-paced and involving novel in which a memorable character learns to cope better with her very real problems.
B. Allison Gray, South Country Library, Bellport, NY
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Yearling (November 12, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440418070
• ISBN-13: 978-0440418078
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.4 x 7.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #716,469 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful story about Tracy Beaker!, December 6, 2005

By 

Raj "raj_thatsme" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Story of Tracy Beaker (Hardcover)

While I was in the library, walking down the various aisles, I saw this book, and thought that it was a little strange for a children's book. Curious as to what the story was about, I decided to take it. Once I started reading it, I just couldn't put this book down. I finished reading it entirely in one sitting. It is one of the best books that I feel I have read recently.

Tracy Beaker is a young girl who lives in a children's home. She tells us a little about her likes, dislikes, and other aspects of her personality before the story starts. She hopes that her mother (who Tracy says is famous actress) will come one day and pick her up, and will share her adventures with Tracy. Until then, she decides to spend her time by writing her autobiography (which is what this book is all about). She writes down her bad experiences in the foster homes that she lived in, her rivalry with Justine Littlewood, and her silly friendship with Peter Ingham, among other things.

Jacqueline Wilson did a wonderful job in writing this book. Since this is the first book that I had read of hers, I feel tempted to read her other works. She portrays the life of Tracy in different angles, and tells the story in such a humorous way that it just draws the readers and makes them feel for the character. Nick Sharratt drew cute illustrations that went well with the story. What made me enjoy this book more was the fact that it was told in a realistic way. It doesn't have the typical happy ending, but you feel satisfied and happy for Tracy in the end anyway. The language is simple, but I wouldn't advice children below 8 to read this book, as it contains quite a bit of profanity.

"The story of Tracy Beaker" is funny, emotional, and told in a unique way, and I would recommend anyone, adult or child, to pick up a copy and read it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 stars fot Tracy, December 16, 2004

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Story of Tracy Beaker (Paperback)

The start of Tracy Beaker is a book which i recomend highly. Right from the begining of the book i have been hooked and wasnt able to put it down again. I dont read many books but this a book which i i enjoyed a lot. i recomend you all to read this book.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I would rate this book a 9 out of 10, December 12, 2003

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Story of Tracy Beaker (Paperback)

I would rate it that because it just ended. It didn't really have such a good ending. All the Jacqueline Wilson books I've read did the same thing. It just ended. Otherwise it was a really good book. The book makes you never want to stop reading. It is really exciting and fun to read. I really like The Story Of Tracy Beaker. My favorite (or FAVOURITE) character is Tracy. Tracy is my favorite character because she reminds me of my friend Louisa. She reminds me of my friend Louisa because they both can be really stubborn sometimes and they are both be really fun. I mean I don't know Tracy is fun because I haven't met her but she seems fun. I would recommend it to all the girls in our class. I don't think the boys would like it so much.