Patricia Polacco facts for kids

Patricia Polacco is a well-known American author and illustrator. She was born on July 11, 1944. When she was in school, Patricia had a hard time learning to read. But she found a way to express herself through art. She faced teasing and kept her reading struggles a secret. Then, a kind teacher noticed she couldn't read and started to help her. Patricia Polacco wrote the book Thank You, Mr. Falker about this important experience. She also wrote other popular books like Mr. Lincoln's Way and The Lemonade Club.

About Patricia Polacco

Patricia Polacco was born Patricia Barber on July 11, 1944, in Lansing, Michigan. Her mother was a teacher, and her father was a salesman who later became a talk show host. When she was three, her parents divorced. Patricia moved with her mother and brother to her grandmother's farm in Union City, Michigan.

Early Life and Storytelling

Many of Patricia's stories are inspired by this farm. She also loved the Russian folk tales her grandmother told her. Her grandmother, whom she called "Babushka" in her books, passed away when Patricia was five. During the summers, Patricia stayed with her father and his Irish parents. She said that both sides of her family had amazing storytellers. Her family did not have a television. So, evenings were spent listening to wonderful stories told by her grandparents.

School Years and Dyslexia

Patricia did not learn to read until she was almost fourteen years old. She struggled a lot in school because of this. In junior high, one of her teachers finally realized she had dyslexia. This is a learning difference that makes reading difficult. Her book Pink and Say is based on a true story from her family. It's about her great-great-grandfather, Sheldon Russell Curtis. He fought in the American Civil War and became good friends with a Black soldier named Pinkus Aylee.

Moving and Becoming an Author

After her grandmother died in 1949, Patricia's family moved to Coral Gables, Florida for three years. Then they moved to the Rockridge area of Oakland, California. She went to Oakland Technical High School. Later, she earned advanced degrees in Art History. She worked in art museums, helping to fix old artworks.

Patricia Polacco started writing her first children's book when she was 41. Her mother believed in her books so much. She gave Patricia money to travel to New York City. There, Patricia met with many publishers. During one week, she had sixteen meetings and showed seven or eight of her books. By the end of the week, all her books had been bought by publishers!

Today, Patricia Polacco lives in Union City, Michigan. She has two children, Traci and Steven. She believes it's very important for schools to help all students learn. She thinks schools should not just focus on tests.

Awards for Her Books

Patricia Polacco has won many awards for her wonderful books. Here are some of them:

• 1988 Sydney Taylor Book Award for The Keeping Quilt
• 1989 International Reading Association Award for Rechenka's Eggs
• Commonwealth Club of California Recognition of Excellence for
  • 1990 Babushka's Doll
  • 1992 Chicken Sunday
• 1992 Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
• Golden Kite Award for Illustration for Chicken Sunday
• 1992 Boston Area Educators for Social Responsibility
• Children's Literature and Social Responsibility Award
• 1993 Jane Adams Peace Assoc. and Women's Intl. League for Peace and Freedom Awards
• Honor Award for Mrs. Katz and Tush for helping promote peace and fairness.
• Parent's Choice Honors for
  • 1991 Some Birthday
  • 1997 Video/Dream Keeper
  • 1998 Thank You, Mr. Falker
• 1996 North Dakota Library Association Children's Book Award for My Rotten Red Headed Older Brother
• 1996 Jo Osborne Award for Humor in Children's Literature
• 1997 Missouri Association of School Librarians
• Show Me Readers Award for My Rotten Red Headed Older Brother
• 1997 West Virginia Children's Book Award for Pink and Say
• 1998 Mid-South Independent Booksellers for Children Humpty Dumpty Award
• 2014 Sydney Taylor Book Award for The Blessing Cup