F20CI452 Wiki talk:Patricia Polacco

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Comment: Patricia Polacco
To start off, I love how Yael has added a quote of the author in the beginning of her wiki, as it was both inspiring and exciting to continue reading. I was then able to make the connection of divorced parents to the author i've also written about (Ludwig Bemelmans). Learning about Patricia Polacco's diverse interactions is promising for the reader, as I've learned about the many books she's written about regarding war, racism, and family. The writer's life in many instances can shape their work/ book styles they choose to write about. Yael's well-structured wiki page made it an easy read for me. Moreover, the easily accessible additional resources at the end of the wiki was helpful. I have not read any books by this author, but I am now looking forward to potentially incorporating her books about children's illness and learning difficulties in my future classes!

-Amanda Abuali

Patricia Polacco
Patricia Polacco is a favorite author of mine. I had no idea about the extensive body of children's literature and art to which she has contributed. I have learned from this wiki how much of her life has contributed to her books' realistic themes. Polacco's early experiences dealing with race, divorce, and learning difficulties can be traced back to your well-written biography. The bibliography of popular books and their awards would delight any teacher that desires to do an author study. Well done, Yael.

Michelle Nixon

Patricia Polacco
I love all the information about her background that you included. I really enjoy Patricia Polacco's books and learned so much from you. I always thought that she lived on that farm in Michigan and never knew she lived in Oakland. I was very surprised that she didn't start her books until she was 40. I think that's really valuable information to share with students. There's so much emphasis to know exactly what you want to do when you grow up and knowing that it's ok to not know or that changing careers is ok is important. Very interested to check out the book she wrote about two moms. I don't have many books that show families with two moms so I would love to add that to my library.

Response
I had not heard of Patricia Polacco before this class (and the trailer of her book, Thunder Cake). I thought it was particularly interesting that she has dyslexia and didn't learn to read until age 14. I really appreciate when authors have a complicated relationship with books. I also think it's interesting how her ethnic background (and the stories that she's carried from that background) have made their way into her stories. Thanks for sharing! -Brennan Lawler