Thunder Cake

Patricia Polacco was born in Lansing, Michigan, in 1944. She spent her early childhood on her grandparents’ farm in Union City, Michigan, a time she describes as magical and deeply influential due to her close relationships with her grandparents. Her parents divorced when she was young, leading her to spend school years with her mother and summers with her father, always surrounded by the love and stories of her grandparents.

This profound connection between young people and the elderly is a recurring theme in her work. Polacco believes this intergenerational interaction is one of the most valuable experiences in life, fostering respect and curiosity about the lives of others.

The farm in Union City held a special place in her heart, not only for the stories heard but also for a meteor that landed in the front yard, which now serves as a family headstone. After leaving the farm in 1949, she lived in Coral Gables, Florida, before settling in Oakland, California, for many years. She cherished her neighborhood on Ocean View Drive for its diversity of people and ideas.

Polacco faced significant challenges in school due to dyslexia, a learning disability she was diagnosed with at age fourteen. This made reading and math difficult, leading her to feel unintelligent. However, with the help of a supportive teacher, she learned to overcome these obstacles. She emphasizes that learning disabilities do not equate to a lack of intelligence, often indicating unique strengths and potential for genius.

She pursued higher education, earning an M.F.A. and a Ph.D. in Art History, specializing in Russian and Greek painting and iconographic history. She worked as a museum consultant for art restoration before becoming a mother to Steven and Traci.

Polacco began writing children’s books at age 41. Her artistic talents, evident from a young age, contributed to her ability to illustrate her own stories. Coming from families of diverse cultural backgrounds known for storytelling (Ukrainian, Russian, Irish, and Louisiana Creole), she was immersed in oral traditions, which she credits for her ability to craft narratives. She believes her imagination, fueled by this rich storytelling heritage and the absence of television in her childhood, is the source of her ideas. She encourages children and aspiring writers to listen to their inner “voice” and minimize distractions from electronic screens.

Having returned to Union City, Michigan, she plans to host writing seminars, storytelling festivals, and other events celebrating children’s literature.

Patricia Polacco’s work reflects her deep appreciation for storytelling, intergenerational relationships, and cultural heritage. Her journey from a child struggling with a learning disability to a celebrated author and illustrator is a testament to resilience and the power of imagination.

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