The Story of Tracy Beaker
The story of the infuriating, lovable ten-year-old Tracy Beaker is a humorous yet thought-provoking glimpse of life in a children’s home. Tracy's life has not been easy so far. She lives in a children’s home that she has dubbed the “Dumping Ground”. In her ten years she has been parcelled off to four schools and her case has been handled by a number of social workers. Tracy had also been placed in a few foster homes, but as she hadn't fitted in with any of the families, she finds herself back at the "Dumping Ground". Nonetheless, this lively little girl harbours the hope that one day her real mother will come for her. When she's not up to mischief or quarrelling with the other children, she is busy writing her life story in a dairy. Then one day, Cam, a real writer, visits the orphanage to write an article about children in care. After a rocky start, she and Tracy get on famously.
The Illustrated Mum
Dolphin and Star are sisters brought up by their mother, Marigold. They call her “The Illustrated Mum” as she has tattoos all over her body and pursues an erratic lifestyle owing to her bipolar disorder. Being the popular older sister, Star is embarrassed by her mother’s tattoos and often berates Marigold for her colourful lifestyle. Dolphin, on the other hand, adores her mother and enjoys having conversations and going for long walks with her. One day, while taking a walk with Dolphin, Marigold decides to attend a concert in the hope of meeting Star’s father, with whom she is still in love. When Star’s father, Micky, is brought home after the concert, Star realizes that she’d rather live with her father — who abandoned her mother in the past — than continue living with her mother.
Star leaves. Marigold suffers a breakdown. Dolphin is in foster care. The family is reunited again when both the children realize that, after all, family is still family. Through instances of humour and amusing illustrations, Jacqueline Wilson brings out clearly the difficulties of separation in dysfunctional families.
My Sister Jodie
Jodie is a tough, rebellious teenager. She sports five ear piercings, spiky orange red hair, and has a flamboyant style of dressing. Her ten year old sister, Pearl, on the other hand is shy, demure, and is easily bullied by her peers. Even though they are complete opposites, Pearl shares a loving and warm relationship with her elder sister. One day their parents tell the girls that they have accepted the positions of caretaker and cook at Melchester College – a posh boarding school. The best part about the job is that both girls will get a good education at the school, free of charge. At first Jodie is dead set against moving but she relents when she sees how enchanted Pearl is with the school. The family leave behind their rough neighbourhood with hopes of a better future, unaware of the heartbreak that awaits them at Melchester College.
