Thank You, Mr. Falker [Hardcover]

Patricia Polacco (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Little Trisha is overjoyed at the thought of starting school and learning how to read. But when she looks at a book, all the letters and numbers just get jumbled up. Her classmates make matters worse by calling her dummy. Only Mr. Falker, a stylish, fun-loving new teacher, recognizes Trisha's incredible artistic ability--and her problem, and takes the time to lead her finally and happily to the magic of reading. This autobiographical story is close to author Patricia Polacco's heart. It is her personal song of thanks to teachers like Mr. Falker, who quietly but surely change the lives of the children they teach. Patricia Polacco lives in Union City, MI.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Fans of Polacco's (Thundercake; Pink and Say) work know well her talent for weaving her colorful family history throughout her picture books. Here Polacco shares her childhood triumph over dyslexia and discovery of reading in an inspiring if slightly formulaic story. Young Trisha is eager to taste the "sweetness of knowledge" that her grandfather has always revered (here symbolized by drizzling honey onto a book and tasting it, which harkens back to Polacco's earlier The Bee Tree). But when she looks at words and numbers, everything is a jumble. Trisha endures the cruel taunts of classmates who call her "dumb," and falls behind in her studies. But finally the encouragement and efforts of a new fifth grade teacher, Mr. Falker, trigger a monumental turning point in Trisha's life. She begins to blossom and develop all of her talents, including reading. Polacco's tale is all the more heartfelt because of its personal nature. Young readers struggling with learning difficulties will identify with Trisha's situation and find reassurance in her success. Polacco's gouache-and-pencil compositions deftly capture the emotional stages?frustration, pain, elation?of Trisha's journey. Ages 5-up.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4AOnce more Polacco shares a personal story with engaging results. This moving saga of her struggle with a learning disability makes an inspiring picture book. Young Tricia wants desperately to read but when she starts school she finds that the words "wiggle" on the page. Teased by her classmates, she retreats into dreams and drawings. It's not until the family moves to California and Tricia has managed to reach the fifth grade that a new teacher finally recognizes her pain and distress. What's more, he does something about it. Without belaboring the point, the author clearly shows the ways that children internalize critical comments made by others and suffer for their differences. This touching story is accompanied by illustrations in Polacco's signature style. Youngsters, as well as adults, may find themselves choked up at the emotions so eloquently described in words and pictures. Yet, like the tears young Tricia cries at the end of the book, these are ultimately tears of joy. Thank you, indeed, Mr. Felker (the real name of the teacher involved) for making it all possible. Readers will be grateful for the chance to recognize, appreciate, and share in Polacco's talent and creativity.ALisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Philomel; Third printing edition (May 4, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399231668
• ISBN-13: 978-0399231667
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (99 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #80,379 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #78 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Special Needs

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

38 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thanks you, Mr. Falker, for giving us Patricia Polacco!, March 24, 2000

By 

Claudia C.Bright (Spartanburg, South Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thank You, Mr. Falker (Hardcover)

Even though Thank You, Mr. Falker is a children's book, it is one of the most incredible and profound books I have ever read. It is a "must-read" for every child and teacher, whether new or experienced. The text and the picture blend so perfectly together, just like all picture books should. The pictures portray the feelings of a little girl who is obviously alone and so in need of love and recognition.

I introduced Thank You, Mr. Falker to my principal, assistant principal,and instructional facilitator(IF) the Monday morning after I had read it. They all loved it as much as I did. (Our assistant principal even left a note on the front of the book, stating her review: "WOW". Our IF was about to instruct the teachers in our school on differentiating instruction; she thought this book would demonstrate that topic very well. I asked her if I could read the book to them at each of their grade-level meetings. Many tears were shed as we shared this special story.

This story may help teachers to realize how important they can be in the life of every student who walks through the doors of their classroom. We may never know what impact our interactions with a child will have on a "Patricia Polacco" in-the-making.

I am glad Thank You, Mr. Falker has been nominated for South Carolina Children's Book of the Year for 2000-2001. I predict the children of SC will love it as much as our teachers did.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book to be Read Aloud in Every Classroom, August 12, 2000

By 

Colleen D. Gallagher "teachingheart net" (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thank You, Mr. Falker (Hardcover)

Patricia Polacco bases this story on her own experiences as a child. She uses the story in this beautiful book to thank her fifth grade teacher, Mr. Falker. In the book, Tricia, who has a yearning to learn to read because of her family's love of learning, discovers that letters in books seem to be all just wiggling shapes. As Tricia moves through school, students call her dumb. She sadly begins to except their teasing and begins to believe she truly is dumb; until, Fifth Grade when she is blessed with an outstanding teacher, Mr. Falker. Every classroom should not only have this book, it should be read aloud. Without saying the word "dyslexia" or preaching, Polacco has produced a wonderfully compassionate story.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book that touches the heart and soul, February 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Thank You, Mr. Falker (Hardcover)

As I slowly read through the pages of this wonderful book, I was touched. I found myself making connections to the young girl and her struggles. I understand what it means to be a struggling reader. I remembered a special teacher who made a difference in my life and helped me to read. As a teacher, I read the book to my class. At the end, my second and third graders had a lot to say! They connected with the character and her struggles too. We shared our own struggles with life. Their struggles ranged from reading and learning to play a new sport to relationships and friendships. The students had made connections. As a techer, I want all my students to make real connections to books, find passion in reading, and treat others kindly. This book really helped my students to see the importance of all these things in a very real way!