Synopses & Reviews
In this inspiring true story, beloved artist Patricia Polacco conquers her fear of public speaking, allowing her to discover her remarkable voice. A wonderful companion to
Thank You, Mr. Falker and
The Art of Miss Chew, it celebrates the lifelong impact of a great teacher.
Speaking in front of an audience terrifies Trisha. Ending up in Mr. Waynes drama class is the last thing she wants! But Mr. Wayne gives her a backstage role painting scenery for the winter play. As she paints, she listens to the cast rehearse, memorizing their lines without even realizing it. Then, days before opening night, the lead actress suddenly moves away, and Trisha is the only other person who knows her part. Will the play have to be canceled? It wont be an easy roadwhen Trisha tries to recite the lines in front of the cast, nothing comes out! But Mr. Wayne wont let her give up, and with his coaching, Trisha is able to become one of his true masterpieces.
Review
“In Polaccos world, children confront fears and solve problems with the help of loving adults, their exchanges captured with exceptional powers of observation. . . . Readers will feel the exhilaration of the standing ovation she receives and the warmth of Mr. Waynes praise. . . . Saddle shoes, stick-out skirts, and her English teachers brush cut all contribute to the period setting. Even the shyest readers may find themselves inspired.”
Review
“Like Polaccos Thank You, Mr. Falker and others, an inspiring tale made all the more so by its roots in life.”
Review
“Polacco has done it again! . . . Polaccos realistic, vibrant illustrations convey a range of emotions, especially her own, which vary from utter terror to extreme exuberance. She credits Mr. Wayne with enabling her to now speak to audiences of hundreds, sometimes thousands of people.”
Review
“Polaccos pencil and marker illustrations are expressive and immediate. . . . The depictions of Mr. T. and Mr. Wayne are particularly dynamic and even tender. . . . A lovely tribute to teachers and their life-changing impact on the author and countless other young people.”
Review
"The joy of artistic creation and the value of teachers who are willing to look outside the box come through clearly in the first-person narrative and Polacco's fluid illustrations."
Review
"Full of color and movement. . . . [Polacco's] first-person narration tells her tragedy and triumph in a very down-to-earth way, using the tone of the 11-year-old she was."
Review
"The moving memoir will resonate with any student who has struggled with reading and should also spark empathy among their classmates."
Review
"Heartwarming tribute. . . . Detailed representational paintings bring to life scenes that evoke both true sorrow and absolute joy."
Review
"In this heartfelt autobiographical picture book, Patricia Polacco pays tribute to her first art teacher, Miss Violet Chew."
Synopsis
Patricia Polacco's bestselling book - with over 400,000 copies sold -
Thank You, Mr. Falker celebrates what a good teacher can be. And now her heartwarming tribute to the teacher who changed her life is available in a special unjacketed mini edition that makes the perfect gift for both kids needing encouragement and the teachers who are their heroes.
When Trisha starts school, she can't wait to learn how to read, but the letters just get jumbled up. She hates being different, and begins to believe her classmates when they call her a dummy. Then, in fifth grade, Mr. Falker changes everything. He sees through her sadness to the gifted artist she really is. And when he discovers that she can't read, he helps her prove to herself that she can - and will!
Synopsis
After spending the summer with her artist grandmother, Trisha knows she wants to be an artist, too. She's thrilled when her sketches get her into Miss Chew's special art class at the high school. A substitute teacher tells her she's wasting time on art when she should be studying - but fortunately, this is one battle that Miss Chew and Trisha are up for!
This true story shows just how important a teacher can be in a child's life - and celebrates the power of art itself.
Synopsis
Little Trisha is overjoyed at the thought of starting school and learning how to read. But when she looks at a book, all the letters and numbers just get jumbled up. Her classmates make matters worse by calling her ?dummy.? Only Mr. Falker, a stylish, fun-loving new teacher, recognizes Trisha?s incredible artistic ability?and her problem, and takes the time to lead her finally and happily to the magic of reading. This autobiographical story is close to author Patricia Polacco?s heart. It is her personal song of thanks to teachers like Mr. Falker, who quietly but surely change the lives of the children they teach. Patricia Polacco lives in Union City, MI.
Synopsis
When young Trisha finds out her class at the new school is known as "The Junkyard," she is devastated. She moved from her old town so she wouldn't be in a special class anymore! But then she meets her teacher, the quirky and invincible Mrs. Peterson, and her classmates, an oddly brilliant group of students each with his or her own unique talent. And it is here in The Junkyard that Trisha learns the true meaning of genius, and that this group of misfits are, in fact, wonders, all of them.
Based on a real-life event in Patricia Polacco's childhood, this ode to teachers will inspire all readers to find their inner genius.
Synopsis
Mr. Lincoln is the coolest principal ever! He knows how to do everything, from jumping rope to leading nature walks. Everyone loves him . . . except for Eugene Esterhause. "Mean Gene" hates everyone who's different. He's a bully, a bad student, and he calls people awful, racist names. But Mr. Lincoln knows that Eugene isn't really bad-he's just repeating things he's heard at home. Can the principal find a way to get through to "Mean Gene" and show him that the differences between people are what make them special?
With Patricia Polacco's trademark illustrations and gentle text, Mr. Lincoln's Way celebrates the unforgettable school principal who touches the lives of his students and truly empowers them.
Synopsis
Patricia Polacco is now one of America's most loved children's book creators, but once upon a time, she was a little girl named Trisha starting school. Trisha could paint and draw beautifully, but when she looked at words on a page, all she could see was jumble. It took a very special teacher to recognize little Trisha's dyslexia: Mr. Falker, who encouraged her to overcome her reading disability. Patricia Polacco will never forget him, and neither will we.
This inspiring story is available in a deluxe slipcased edition, complete with a personal letter to readers from Patricia Polacco herself. Thank You, Mr. Falker will make a beautiful gift for the special child who needs encouragement&150or any special teacher who has made a difference in the child's life.
Synopsis
How
did Patricia Polacco become a writer?
A perfect companion to the classic Thank You, Mr. Falker, The Art of Miss Chew, and Mr. Waynes Masterpiece, this book celebrates a teacher who inspired a young Patricia Polacco to become the writer and storyteller she is today.
Trisha is nervous about being chosen for Miss Kellers writing class. Killer Keller” demands that her students dazzle her with their writing, and rumor has it that she has never given an A. The rumors turn out to be all too truetheres just no pleasing Miss Keller. Then an unexpected loss leaves Trisha heartbroken. Thoughts of teachers and grades forgotten, she pours out her soul in a personal narrative. And when Miss Keller reads it, she tells Trisha, Youve given your words wings.”
About the Author
Patricia Polacco (www.patriciapolacco.com) is the prolific author and illustrator of ninety picture books. From the earliest days of her publishing career an enthusiastic and spirited speaker, she has visited over one hundred classrooms each year, not only speaking but listening to the hundreds of children that she meets. How she learned to speak in front of an audience may well be her most important personal story. She lives in Union City, Michigan, where she is not shy about speaking to the myriad children who come to visit her and the famous meteor, the object of one of Patricias best-known stories.