Say A Prayer for the Youth of America Ellen Foster is the compelling story of a young girl who is thrust into reality at a very early age. Written by Kaye Gibbons, the novel is a documentary of the saga of growing up. It is a recurring theme, growing up, depicted through many events over the course of this girl’s childhood. This growing up theme is evident through the experiences she has, as well as the many hardships she faces. Ellen’s awkward situation of two dead parents forces her to lose her innocence at a young age, and mature much faster than any other person her age. This is sho