When Lightning Comes in a Jar

A warm story of bridging the generation gap through heritage and togetherness. (Kirkus Reviews)

Patricia Polacco was born in Lansing, Michigan, in 1944. She moved around in her early childhood, living in Williamston and Union City, Michigan, on her grandparents’ farm. This period, from birth to 1949, was a magical time for her, deeply influenced by her grandparents. Her parents divorced when she was three, and she spent school years with her mother and summers with her father, always feeling cherished by her grandparents in both households.

Her early life experiences, particularly the relationships with her grandparents, significantly shaped her work. She notes that a recurring theme in her books is the interaction between children and the elderly, a dynamic she values immensely. The respect learned from these relationships carried into her adult life, fostering a curiosity about the lives of older people.

The farm in Union City held a special place in her memory, a source of wonderful stories and even a fallen meteorite that is now a family headstone. After living in Oakland, California, for nearly 37 years, she has now returned to Union City.

In 1949, her family left the Michigan farm, first moving to Coral Gables, Florida, where she lived with her mother and brother, Richard, for three years. They then relocated to Oakland, California, where she spent most of her youth and early adulthood in the diverse Rockridge District on Ocean View Drive. There, she formed a lasting friendship with Stewart Grinnell Washington.

Polacco struggled with reading and math in elementary school, not learning to read until she was almost 14. She later discovered she had dyslexia, a learning disability that made her feel different. A supportive teacher helped her overcome these challenges, leading her to understand that learning disabilities don’t equate to a lack of intelligence, but rather a different way of learning. She believes that many children with learning disabilities are, in fact, geniuses.

She pursued higher education, earning a Ph.D. in Art History after majoring in Fine Art. She worked as a museum consultant restoring ancient art before becoming a mother to two children, Steven and Traci.

Polacco began writing children’s books at the age of 41. Her artistic talent, a possible symptom of her learning disability, had always been present, manifesting in drawing, painting, and sculpture. Her family’s rich history of storytelling, with roots in Ukraine, Russia, and Ireland, provided fertile ground for her imagination, especially as they didn’t own a television. She emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s inner voice and the power of imagination, particularly when electronic distractions are minimized.

She has enjoyed a successful career as a children’s author and illustrator, a journey she finds remarkable given her early academic struggles. She encourages children and aspiring writers to nurture their imaginations by listening intently.

Now residing in Union City, Michigan, she plans to host writing seminars, storytelling festivals, and other events celebrating children’s literature. She believes in the power of art and literacy to promote understanding and peaceful conflict resolution.

Polacco holds an M.F.A. and a Ph.D. in art history, with specializations in Russian and Greek painting and iconography. She has traveled extensively, particularly in Russia, and continues to foster Russo-American friendships. She is the mother of a grown son and daughter and lives on an old farm in Michigan.

Copyright © 2000 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.

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