The book is told from the point of view of Tracy Beaker, a troubled ten-year-old girl.

Tracy lives in a children's residential care home (nicknamed "The Dumping Ground") where she has been placed as a result of neglect and domestic violence.

For example, a recurring story that Tracy likes to tell is that her mother is a glamorous Hollywood movie star, and that she is coming to collect her someday.

[5][6][7][8] In March 2012, Amy Leigh Hickman announced a spin-off from Tracy Beaker Returns called The Dumping Ground.

It had been announced following Dani's decision to quit her role as Tracy and has aired on CBBC since 4 January 2013; it is currently in its tenth series.