The Story of Tracy Beaker facts for kids
 |
|
| Author | Jacqueline Wilson |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Nick Sharratt |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Doubleday |
|
Publication date
|
14 February 1991 |
| Media type | Print (paperback) |
| Pages | 152 |
| ISBN | 0-385-40075-6 |
| OCLC | 59149372 |
| Followed by | The Dare Game |
The Story of Tracy Beaker is a popular British children's book. It was first published in 1991. The famous author Jacqueline Wilson wrote the book. Nick Sharratt created the illustrations.
Contents
What is The Story of Tracy Beaker About?
The book tells the story from the point of view of Tracy Beaker. She is a ten-year-old girl who lives in a children's home. This home is often called "The Dumping Ground." Tracy feels lonely and unloved. This makes her often unhappy and causes her to have problems with her behavior.
Tracy's mother has not been in contact with her for a long time. Tracy misses her mum very much. She often sits by a window, hoping her mum will come to pick her up. Tracy also finds it hard to get along with the staff and other children. One girl she often argues with is Justine Littlewood.
Tracy also felt frustrated after a couple, Julie and Ted, decided not to foster her. They were expecting their own baby. They worried because Tracy had once accidentally shut a baby in a cupboard.
Tracy's Imagination and Stories
Tracy often tells many imaginative stories. These stories help her feel safe and comforted. For example, she often says her mother is a famous Hollywood movie star. Tracy believes her mum will come to get her someday. She explains that her mother is just too busy making films right now.
Tracy's own story, which she writes in the book, describes her life. She talks about feeling unfairly treated at the children's home. For instance, she mentions not getting enough Mars Bars or Smarties. She also imagines ways to get back at people who upset her. Tracy's thoughts show she has a very deep and complex mind.
In 2002, the book won a special award. It was voted the winner of the Blue Peter People's Choice Award.
Are There More Tracy Beaker Books?
Yes, Jacqueline Wilson has written three more books that continue Tracy's story. These are The Dare Game, Starring Tracy Beaker, and Tracy Beaker's Thumping Heart. The last one was a special book for Red Nose Day.
How Has Tracy Beaker Been Adapted?
The Story of Tracy Beaker was made into a TV show by the BBC. It aired on CBBC for five series, from 2002 to 2005. Dani Harmer played the role of Tracy Beaker. The first series was filmed in London. Later series moved to Wales.
In 2009, a new show called Beaker's Back was planned. It later became Tracy Beaker Returns. This show aired on CBBC for three series, from 2010 to 2012. The former La Sagesse School in Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne was used as the set for "The Dumping Ground" in this series.
After Tracy Beaker Returns, a new spin-off show called The Dumping Ground was created. This happened because Dani Harmer decided to leave her role as Tracy. The Dumping Ground has been airing on CBBC since 2013. The first series was filmed at the same location as Tracy Beaker Returns. Since the second series, it has been filmed in Morpeth, Northumberland. Both Tracy Beaker Returns and The Dumping Ground have also had their own spin-off series.
In 2006, The Story of Tracy Beaker was also turned into a musical. Sarah Churm played Tracy Beaker in this stage show.
