Hardcover | $13.11 USD | ISBN-13: 978-0399250786 | 48 pages | 6-9 years
Tricia
wanted to stay with her Gramma and her dad in Michigan. Her mom and dad agreed,
but only for a year. Her classmates were different but Tricia could not figure
out how. Then Mrs. Peterson, the teacher, entered and read the definition of
genius. She said everyone in that room was a genius. But then she referred to
the class as “The Junkyard.” Tricia was upset to be in this class of misfits. She
didn’t want to be labeled as “special.” Why did this keep happening? Other kids
in her school made fun of the “Junkyard Class” and treated them differently. But
at least Mrs. Peterson was engaging. Each student joined a “tribe.” The
students would work together on projects throughout the year in their tribes.
They even wore special badges on their shirts that said they were a member of
the “Junkyard Wonders,” but kids on the playground made fun of them for this.
Then their teacher took them to the junkyard. Their teacher said to look at things for what they could be, not for what they were.
The children in Tricia’s
tribe found an airplane – sure it was cracked and broken apart but they wanted
to fix it up. All the tribes were working on their creations all year. There was going to be a fair to showcase
the creations. Tricia’s tribe wanted their plane to fly from the school rooftop.
They had a few bumps along the way, but they did install a motor and launched
it from the roof. It flew straight up into the sky; the children were so proud
of their accomplishment.
This inspiring true story
about Polacco’s childhood is one that celebrates the differences and diversity
of all children. It reminds the readers about the important value of the
“special” kids in our schools and communities. They are not just throwaways; they
are not just pieces of junk, but they are each individually wonders and
actually “geniuses.” Her character illustrations of the smiling faces are
spectacular. Polacco has created a teacher that is inspiriting and creative and
one who can reach children with special needs. Children should be encouraged
for their potential and the possibilities of things they can become – after all
Polacco herself was one of these students who struggled in school and had a
learning disability. This book
would best serve public and school libraries alike where young children can
read and remember that each student and child is to be valued for their
uniqueness and individual talents and skills.
Telling stories runs in Patricia Polacco’s family.
She didn’t start writing until she was 41 years old, but since then she has
become an award winning author and illustrator. Polacco was born and raised in
Michigan and after living for a few years in Florida her family moved to
California. She did not have the best grades in school – she really struggled
with reading and math. She lived in California for 37 years and during that
time she decided to start writing down stories she heard as a child and of
course she used her own creativity for her artwork. She returned to Michigan
where she intends to open her home for writing seminars and story telling
festivals to celebrate children’s literature. She does all of her own
illustrations in her studio and to produce one book takes her about a year and
a half. For more about her work,
please visit her official website at: http://www.patriciapolacco.com.
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