In Patricia Polacco's own words, "This story is truly autobiographical." She frequently uses stories from her life in her books. As the title states, she takes this opportunity to thank her fitfth grade teacher.Tricia yearns to read as a result of her family's love of learning. However, when she picks up a book, she sees the letters as wiggly shapes. As she goes through school, students teas her and call her dumb. She begins to believe that she really is. She is not only learning more slowly than the other children, she is truly aware of it. She copes the best way she can, through her artwork. All of this changes when she gets to fifth grade. Mr. Falker practices with her everyday, and she steadily improves. It is an emotional moment when she truly begins to read. Patrica Polacco's illustrations are paired beautifully with her text. They portray beautifully how Tricia feels; the coloring of the character's faces show different emotions. The colors are intense and truly add to the reading experience.
The book touches on many different subjects, such as learning disabilities and bullying. I would use this book in a second or third grade classroom. There are great opportunities for character education lessons, as well as writing opportunities. Students would write letters to someone who made them feel good about themselves, or someone who has helped them.
Even though this is a children's book, I would recommend this book to anyone, student, teacher, adult. As teachers, this book reminds us how important we are to our students. The next child that walks in our door may be the next Patrica Polacco. Sometimes we do not realize how much impact we have in the lives of our students. What an incredibly special gift to Mr. Falker, I only hope to have a student be so grateful to me one day. I will be buying this book for the teachers and future teachers in my life, and will definitely be recommending it to my school guidance counselor.
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