What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Great Gilly Hopkins
Katherine Paterson · Book · 2009
If you loved The Great Gilly Hopkins, start with Bridge to Terabithia (Gábor Csupó, 2007) — a film on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Great Gilly Hopkins across media.
If you loved The Great Gilly Hopkins, you are drawn to stories about abrasive, guarded outsiders navigating the complexities of found families.
Films on the same thread
What's Eating Gilbert Grape
Lasse Hallström · Film · 1993
Explores: Caregiver fatigue, Disability representation, Small town life.
Like Gilly in The Great Gilly Hopkins, Gilbert carries immense domestic burdens, and you will recognize the same raw tension between personal resentment and evolving familial duty.
Kiki's Delivery Service
Hayao Miyazaki · Film · 1989
Explores: Finding your place, Self-discovery, Female empowerment.
Just as Gilly must adjust to an unexpected home in The Great Gilly Hopkins, Kiki faces the prickly challenge of finding belonging while maintaining her independent, spirited identity.
Bridge to Terabithia
Gábor Csupó · Film · 2007
Explores: Childhood friendship, Escapism, Grief.
Katherine Paterson also wrote this story, which echoes The Great Gilly Hopkins by exploring how unlikely friendships and imaginative escapes help children process deep-seated grief and isolation.
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Mamoru Hosoda · Film · 2006
Explores: Regret, Consequences of Time Travel, First Love.
Makoto’s journey through the consequences of her choices mirrors Gilly’s growth in The Great Gilly Hopkins, capturing the painful but necessary transition from stubborn self-interest to genuine maturity.
Series on the same thread
Gilmore Girls
Amy Sherman-Palladino · Series · 2000
Explores: Mother-Daughter Relationship, Intergenerational Relationships, Class Differences.
If you appreciated the sharp, defensive wit of the protagonist in The Great Gilly Hopkins, you will enjoy the fast-paced, complex mother-daughter dynamics present in this charming series.
Gossip Girl
Stephanie Savage · Series · 2007
Explores: Privilege, Social Status, Secrets.
While the setting differs from The Great Gilly Hopkins, you will find a similar focus on the social posturing and hidden vulnerabilities of young people navigating precarious environments.
Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends
Craig McCracken · Series · 2004
Explores: Imaginary Friends, Found Family, Childhood Imagination.
This story shares the central premise of The Great Gilly Hopkins by centering on a sanctuary for those who feel displaced and are searching for a sense of belonging.
Horrible Histories
Terry Deary · Series · 2009
Explores: Satire, Parody, Historical Accuracy (Loosely).
The irreverent, anarchic humor here acts as a companion to the brash personality of Gilly in The Great Gilly Hopkins, offering a similarly unfiltered take on the world.
Podcasts on the same thread
The School of Greatness
Lewis Howes · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Self-Actualization, Resilience, Peak Performance.
After witnessing Gilly’s personal transformation in The Great Gilly Hopkins, you will appreciate these discussions on resilience and the mindset shifts required to overcome significant life obstacles.
Making Space with Hoda Kotb
Hoda Kotb, TODAY · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Human resilience, Emotional healing, Self-discovery.
This podcast explores the same themes of human resilience and emotional healing that define the character arc of the young heroine found in The Great Gilly Hopkins.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Great Gilly Hopkins about a child in the foster care system?
Yes, The Great Gilly Hopkins follows an eleven-year-old girl named Gilly who has been placed in numerous foster homes. The story focuses on her experiences as she navigates her latest placement and maintains her reputation for being brash and unmanageable.
What is the age of the main character in The Great Gilly Hopkins?
The main character in The Great Gilly Hopkins is eleven years old. Throughout the book, she is portrayed as a brilliant and ornery young heroine who has grown accustomed to moving between different foster families while resisting her new living arrangements.
How is the protagonist of The Great Gilly Hopkins described?
In The Great Gilly Hopkins, the protagonist is described as a wisecracking, ornery, and unforgettable young girl. She is known for being brash, brilliant, and completely unmanageable, characteristics she uses to protect herself while being moved from one foster family to another.
Was The Great Gilly Hopkins recognized with any literary awards?
The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson is a Newbery Honor Book. This recognition highlights its status as a timeless piece of children's literature centered on the life of an eleven-year-old girl navigating the challenges of the foster care system.