Meteor! [Paperback]

Patricia Polacco (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 8, 1996 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

The meteor that crash landed in Grandma and Grandpa Gaw's yard set off a chain of gossip and events that brought magic to many of the residents of Mudsock Meadow. "Based on a true event, this enchanting book overwhelmingly expresses the magic that suddenly pervades a small town, from the funny, folksy way the story is told to the imaginative, full-color illustrations."--Publishers Weekly.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The last event people in Union City remember was when "Bertie Felspaw got her elbow caught in the revolving door at the library over Coldwater way." It's no wonder they make such a big fuss over the meteor that lands on Gramma and Granpa's farm. The news buzzes through town, more disastrous in each retelling. Soon the farm becomes a carnival ground, with a band and a circus and hot-air balloon rides. When the festivities are over, those who have touched the meteor feel that their lives have changed. Based on a true event, this enchanting book overwhelmingly expresses the magic that suddenly pervades a small town, from the funny, folksy way the story is told to the imaginative, full-color illustrations. Ages 5-9.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3 A pleasant enough tale of a small town's excited reaction to the landing of a meteorite in a front yard. The family cordons off the ``rock,'' and the townspeople soon flock to the spotsome auction meteor basket lunches and sell popcorn, the local high-school band gives a meteoric performance, and university science departments come to analyze the meteorite. The entire town seems filled with a special magic inspired by touching the meteorite. There is a nostalgic, homey feeling to this book, and small-town America comes to life in its pages. Unfortunately, the townspeople call the meteorite a meteor, which is inaccurate, and the adjective meteoric becomes monotonous. The stylized acrylic illustrations are unusual and appealing. Facial expressions are espcially well-drawn. Unfortunately, the flaws in the book don't lift it above the mediocre. Barbara S. McGinn, Oak Hill Elementary School, Severna Park, Md.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (August 8, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0698114108
• ISBN-13: 978-0698114104
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #142,745 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #13 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( P ) > Polacco, Patricia

More About the Author

Born Patricia Ann Barber in Lansing, Michigan, to parents of Russian and Ukrainian descent on one side and Irish on the other, Patricia Polacco grew up in both California and Michigan. Her school year was spent in Oakland, California, and summers in her beloved Michigan. She describes her family members as marvelous storytellers. "My fondest memories are of sitting around a stove or open fire, eating apples and popping corn while listening to the old ones tell glorious stories about their homeland and the past. We are tenacious traditionalists and sentimentalists.... With each retelling our stories gain a little more Umph!"Studying in the United States and Australia, Patricia Polacco has earned an M.F.A. and a Ph. D. in art history, specializing in Russian and Greek painting, and iconographic history. She is a museum consultant on the restoration of icons. As a participant in many citizen exchange programs for writers and illustrators, Patricia Polacco has traveled extensively in Russia as well as other former Soviet republics. She continues to support programs that encourage Russo-American friendships and understanding. She is also deeply involved in inner-city projects here in the U.S. that promote the peaceful resolution of conflict and encourage art and literacy programs.The mother of a grown son and a daughter, Patricia Polacco currently resides in Michigan, where she has a glorious old farm that was built during the time of Lincoln.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Most Outstanding Book Ever!, December 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Meteor! (Hardcover)

Meteor is one of the best books I've ever read. I'm 14 years old and thats kind of old for a kid's book but it is really great. When I was in 4th grade. I got to meet Patricia the author of the book. She read this book to my whole school during an assembly. it was so cool. What's even cooler is that this story is true. She even brought a piece of the rock to the school and I got to touch it. Patricia is an out stand women. I love all her books she's written. Meteor is a great story about a falling odject out of the sky that brings the whole town to it. It's just great. Patricia is one of my favorite all time aurthors. I reccommend this to everyone.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A First Rate Book , By A First Class Author, April 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Meteor! (Hardcover)

I recently had the honor of listening to Patricia Polacco tellabout this book. Not only is the story based on true events, but shecarries a piece of the meteor with her when she travels. The story isexciting, and the pictures are wonderful. Ms. Polacco has a gift for telling stories, and she also spreads a wonderful message. Many of her stories stress kindness, compassion, and acceptance of others. I recommend, not only this book, but all of the books by Patricia Polacco.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming with a BOOM!, December 16, 2001

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Meteor! (Paperback)

Meteor is a great childs book but it is also great for anyone who reads it. The author, Patricia Polacco, wonderfully uses all the space on each page to create an experience like you are actually there. The pictures will make children stare wide-eyed for hours. The book will make you giggle on every page. What makes this book even better is that it is completely true. The author really put her heart and soul into it because it comes out of her life experience. She uses alot of different characters and animals to liven each page up. I would recommend it for anyone but especially for younger children.