"Racism is so universal in this country, so widespread and deep-seated, that it is invisible because it is so normal." - Shirley Chisholm Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm's quotes and believes on the racism that plagued the times of her service are still evident in our generation. Ellen Foster a 1987 novel by American novelist Kaye Gibbons is prime example of the hardships endured by both white and blacks in the rural south in the mid 1970's. The novel portrays the life of Ellen Foster a young 11-year-old girl who currently has no home to call her own. After Ellen's mother passes away in the beginning of the novel she lives with her father, however after enduring repeated physical, mental, and sexual abuse Ellen seeks refuge at her colored friend Starletta's house. After making several rounds with different households she is placed in the custody of her grandmother whom she calls ("my mama's mama"). Her grandmother is a fairly wealthy lady however she does not aid Ellen in any way. Despite her young age she verbally mistreats Ellen she takes her frustration out on the young girl and constantly reminds her that she is a mirror image of her father whom her grandmother hates, and is the one to blame for her mothers death. Later in the novel her grandmother also passes and Ellen is sent to stay at her aunt Nadine's house, she is once again mistreated and on Christmas day she is forced to leave her aunts house following an argument. Ellen ultimately finds a nice home to live in when she meets a lady known as Mrs. Foster, this new mama accepts Ellen and genuinely cares for her well being. Ellen finally finds comfort in this new home and is ecstatic when she is able to invite her friend Starletta to sleep over. All along Ellen is focused on her path of hardship, yet at the end she realizes that Starletta has had a much more difficult and is still ongoing hardships much harder than herself the largest one being racism. After reading and analyzin