The Story of Tracy Beaker The Story of Tracy Beaker The Story of Tracy Beaker is a British children's book first published in 1991, written by Jacqueline Wilson and illustrated by Nick Sharratt. The book is told from the point of view of Tracy Beaker, a troubled ten-year-old girl. The reason Tracy is often unhappy and has problems with her behaviour because she is lonely, frustrated and feels unloved. Tracy resides in a children's residential care home (nicknamed "The Dumping Ground") where she has been placed as a result of neglect and domestic violence. Her mother often left Tracy to stay by herself when Tracy
Tracy Beaker on reading lists for schools, so boys will be involved in the classroom. "The Story of Tracy Beaker" has been UK libraries' most-loaned book between 2000 and 2010. In its description of Tracy, an article for the "Herald Scotland" states: "Though her life is bleak, Tracy is funny, imaginative, articulate and hopeful, like all Wilson's heroines." A "Liverpool Echo" article describes Tracy as "a heroinea cult character who could be played by any actress." Winifred Robinson, writing in a "Daily Mail" editorial, criticised the character and suggested that behaviour such as her outbursts were influencing children to act in a