Staff Pick
As someone who grew up with learning disabilities, this book really got to me as a child and even now. This is a story about a girl who has dyslexia with letters and numbers. Her classmates make fun of her when she isn't advancing as quickly as the other students, but Mr. Falker takes her under his wing. This is such a hopeful read for everyone, but especially for children with learning disabilities. It shows them that they have worth, talent, and perseverance. Recommended By Rin S., Powells.com
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
"Polacco's tale is all the more heartfelt because of its personal nature. Young readers struggling with learning difficulties will identify with Trisha's situation and find reassurance in her success." - Publishers Weekly
"Will encourage the child who feels like a failure and the teacher who cares." - Booklist
"Polacco shares a personal story with engaging results. This moving saga . . . makes an inspiring picture book." - School Library Journal
Review
"The artwork realistically portrays—through their body language and wonderfully expressive hands—what these youngsters are feeling. Polacco captures the insidiousness of cyberbullying. . . . Will spark intense and much-needed discussions."
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.”
Synopsis
The real-life, classic story of a dyslexic girl and the teacher who would not let her fail. A perfect gift for teachers and for reading students of any age. 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
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
Patricia Polacco takes on cliques and online bullying
Lyla finds a great friend in Jamie on her first day of school, but when Lyla makes the cheerleading squad and a clique of popular girls invites her to join them, Jamie is left behind. Lyla knows bullying when she sees it, though, and when she sees the girls viciously teasing classmates on Facebook, including Jamie, she is smart enough to get out. But no one dumps these girls, and now they're out for revenge.
Patricia Polacco has taken up the cause against bullies ever since Thank You, Mr. Falker, and her passion shines through in this powerful story of a girl who stands up for a friend.
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.