For the Love of Autumn

Patricia Polacco was born in Lansing, Michigan, in 1944. She spent her early childhood on her grandparents’ farm in Union City, Michigan, a period she describes as magical and deeply influential. Her grandparents, particularly her Babushka, were inspirational figures who instilled in her a profound respect for elders and storytelling.

Her parents divorced when she was young, leading her to split her school years between her mother in Oakland, California, and summers with her father in Michigan. This dual upbringing exposed her to diverse perspectives and reinforced the value of intergenerational relationships, a theme that prominently features in her writing.

Patricia faced significant academic challenges, learning to read only at age fourteen due to dyslexia. This experience, however, fostered empathy and a deep understanding of the learning process. A supportive teacher identified her learning disability and provided the necessary help, enabling her to succeed. She learned that having a learning disability does not equate to being unintelligent, but rather to learning differently.

She pursued higher education, earning a Ph.D. in Art History with a specialization in Russian and Greek painting. Before becoming an author, she worked as an art restorer for museums.

Patricia began writing children’s books at the age of 41, an endeavor that surprised many, including herself. Her talent for drawing, a common trait among those with her learning disability, had always been present. Raised in a family of gifted storytellers from Ukraine, Russia, and Ireland, she learned the art of oral tradition. This background, combined with a childhood devoid of television, nurtured a vibrant imagination that fuels her storytelling.

Her career as a children’s book author and illustrator has been successful and fulfilling. She emphasizes the importance of imagination and listening to one’s inner voice, encouraging others to turn off distractions and “LISTEN…LISTEN…LISTEN.”

Patricia Polacco 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.

She is the mother of two grown children, Steven and Traci. Her family heritage includes Russian, Ukrainian, and Irish roots. She has also studied in Australia and traveled extensively in Russia and former Soviet republics, supporting programs that foster Russo-American understanding and promote art and literacy.

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