The Evolution of Ellen Foster 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 households she makes in just one short year. Ellen Foster’s many different living circumstances evolve her into a round literary character. From each circumstance she gains knowledge about life and about herself. Through the eyes of a child wise beyond her years, an indomitable spirit radiates an