Rechenka's Eggs

Patricia Polacco was born in Lansing, Michigan, in 1944. Soon after her birth, she lived in Williamston, Michigan, and then moved to her grandparents’ farm in Union City, Michigan, until 1949. She spent the school year with her mother and summers with her father, becoming the apple of her grandparents’ eyes in both households. These relationships with her grandparents heavily influenced her life and work, often featuring a young person interacting with an elderly person in her books.

In 1949, she moved to Coral Gables, Florida, and then to Oakland, California, where she lived for most of her young life. She had difficulty with reading and math and was diagnosed with dyslexia at fourteen. With the help of a teacher, she overcame her learning disability.

She went on to university, majored in Fine Art, earned a graduate degree, and a Ph.D. in Art History. She restored ancient pieces of art for museums and eventually became the mother of two children, Steven and Traci, devoting her time to their education.

Polacco began writing children’s books at age 41, drawing on her family of storytellers from Ukrainian, Russian, and Irish backgrounds. Her childhood experiences listening to stories inspired her to put her own stories on paper, accompanied by her illustrations.

She currently resides in Michigan, and intends to open her house to hold writing seminars, storytelling festivals, literature conferences, and various events that celebrate children’s literature.

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.

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