Thank You, Mr. Falker

Patricia Polacco was born Patricia Ann Barber in Lansing, Michigan, in 1944. She grew up splitting her time between Williamston, Michigan, and her grandparents’ farm in Union City, Michigan, where she lived with her mother and grandparents until 1949. Her grandmother’s death marked the end of this magical period in her life.

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 on both sides. These early relationships profoundly influenced her, particularly inspiring her recurring theme of young people interacting with the elderly in her books. She values the unique perspective gained from knowing both children and the elderly, fostering a deep sense of respect and curiosity about life.

The farm in Union City held a special place in her heart, a setting for wondrous stories and even a fallen meteorite that now serves as a family headstone. After leaving the farm in 1949, her family moved to Coral Gables, Florida, for nearly three years before settling in Oakland, California. She lived in Oakland for most of her formative years and into adulthood, residing in the diverse Rockridge District. It was here she met her lifelong best friend, Stewart Grinnell Washington.

Polacco struggled with reading and math in elementary school, not learning to read until she was almost fourteen. She later discovered she had dyslexia, a learning disability that initially made her feel inadequate. However, with the help of a supportive teacher, she received the necessary support to succeed. She emphasizes that learning disabilities do not equate to a lack of intelligence, but rather a different way of learning, and that many learning-disabled individuals are highly intelligent.

After overcoming her academic challenges, she pursued higher education, earning a Ph.D. in Art History with a specialization in Russian and Greek painting and iconography. She worked as a museum consultant restoring ancient art before becoming a mother to her children, Steven and Traci.

Polacco began writing children’s books at the age of 41. Her artistic talents, evident from a young age, likely stemmed from her latent dyslexia, which often correlates with strong visual and artistic abilities. Her storytelling roots run deep, with family members from the Ukraine, Russia, and Ireland, all known for their rich oral traditions. Growing up without television, she relied on her imagination and the art of oral storytelling, which she now channels into her written works. She encourages aspiring writers and children to cultivate their imagination by listening to their inner voice and minimizing distractions like television.

She now resides in Union City, Michigan, on a historic farm. She plans to open her home and community to host writing seminars, storytelling festivals, and other events celebrating children’s literature. Her travels have taken her to Russia and other former Soviet republics, fostering Russo-American understanding. She is also involved in U.S. inner-city projects promoting conflict resolution, art, and literacy.

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