Best Selling Books by Patricia Polacco

Say Curtis describes his meeting with Pinkus Aylee, a black soldier, during the Civil War, and their capture by Southern troops. Based on a true story about the author''s great-great-grandfather.

Trisha wants to write something that will please her demanding writing teacher, who is rumored to have never given a student an A.

The famous Polacco goats are back! In this playful interactive chant, three mischievous little goats find their way out of the gate (squeak, squeak, squeak!), over a bridge (click, click, click!) through some mud (squish, squish, squish!), onto a carousel (um pah pah pah, um pah pah!)...and right into the path of an angry ogre! Of course, they are happy to turn right around and run straight back over the path they traveled, until at last they are back home gain, safe and sound. Patricia Polacco''s color palette is bright and springlike in her second goat adventure for very young readers.

When Mr. Lincoln, "the coolest principal in the whole world," discovers that Eugene, the school bully, knows a lot about birds, he uses this interest to help Eugene overcome his intolerance.

A heartwarming story of family, love, and celebrating what makes us special, from master storyteller Patricia Polacco, author of Thank You, Mr. Falker. Marmee, Meema, and the kids are just like any other family on the block. In their cozy home, they cook dinner together, they laugh together, they dance and play together. But one family doesn''t accept them. Maybe because they think they are different: How can a family have two moms and no dad? But Marmee and Meema''s house is full of love. And they teach their children that different doesn''t mean wrong. No matter how many moms or dads they have, they are everything a family is meant to be. Now with questions at the back of the book to help guide readers through discussions about the ideas featured in the story, this kindness edition of In Our Mothers'' House brings celebrated author-illustrator Patricia Polacco''s work to a new audience of young readers who can be inspired by its message of a wonderful family living by its own rules, held together by a very special love.

The heartwarming story of a group of kids just looking to do the right thing who bring their community together along the way, from master storyteller Patricia Polacco, author of Thank You, Mr. Falker. More than anything in the world, the children want to buy that special Easter bonnet in Mr. Kodinski''s shop window for their Miss Eula. She is always so good to them, and how they love to hear her sing—her voice is like slow thunder and sweet rain. But the hat costs money, and the children do not have enough. Then one day, when they are mistakenly accused of throwing eggs at the Jewish shop owner''s window, they discover just the right way to prove their innocence and earn money for the hat at the same time—and bring their community together in shared joy along the way. With her characteristic full, vibrant colors and rich folk-art style, author-artist Patricia Polacco once again reaches into her childhood and weaves a lasting story of acceptance, trust, and love. Praise for Chicken Sunday: * "In this moving picture book, the hatred sometimes engendered by racial and religious differences is overpowered by the love of people who recognize their common humanity." —Booklist, starred review * "The text conveys a tremendous pride of heritage as it brims with rich images from her characters'' African American and Russian Jewish cultures--A tribute to the strength of all family bonds." —Publishers Weekly, starred review "Polacco has outdone herself with these joyful, energetic illustrations, her vibrant colors even richer and more intense than usual, while authentic details enhance the interest. A unique piece of Americana." —Kirkus Reviews

A homemade quilt ties together the lives of six generations of the author''s immigrant Jewish family, remaining a symbol of their enduring love and faith.

At the public library in her new town, Patricia meets Mrs. Creavy, an encouraging librarian who introduces Patricia to the books of John James Audubon and helps her become the first member of the Audubon Bird Club of Freemont Elementary.

The real-life, classic story of a dyslexic girl and the teacher who would not let her fail. A perfect gift for teachers and for reading students of any age. Patricia Polacco is now one of America''s most loved children''s book creators, but once upon a time, she was a little girl named Trisha starting school. Trisha could paint and draw beautifully, but when she looked at words on a page, all she could see was jumble. It took a very special teacher to recognize little Trisha''s dyslexia: Mr. Falker, who encouraged her to overcome her reading disability. Patricia Polacco will never forget him, and neither will we. This inspiring story is available in a deluxe slipcased edition, complete with a personal letter to readers from Patricia Polacco herself. Thank You, Mr. Falker will make a beautiful gift for the special child who needs encouragement&150or any special teacher who has made a difference in the child''s life.

In this special Passover story, Larnel Moore, a young African-American boy, and Mrs. Katz, an elderly Jewish woman, develop an unusual friendship through their mutual concern for an abandoned cat named Tush. Together they explore the common themes of suffering and triumph in each of their cultures.

Because he spends his time dreaming, the villagers are convinced that Appelemando will never amount to much, but in time his dreams change the village and all the people in it.

When a leak ruins the sacristy wall in his father’s church, Jonathan Jefferson Weeks thinks Christmas Eve service will be ruined. Luckily he and his father find a beautiful tapestry, perfect for covering the damaged wall and giving the church a festive look! But then, an old Jewish woman recognizes the beautiful cloth. Her discovery leads to a real miracle on Christmas Eve.

Patricia Polacco''s most poignant Christmas tale! The Stowell family is abuzz with holiday excitement, and Frankie, the youngest boy, is the most excited of all. But there''s a cloud over the joyous season: Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and Pa hasn''t returned yet from his trip to Lansing. He promised to bring back the oranges for the mantelpiece. Every year there are nine of them nestled among the evergreens, one for each of the children. But this year, heavy snows might mean no oranges . . . and, worse, no Pa! This is a holiday story close to Patricia Polacco''s heart. Frankie was her grandmother''s youngest brother, and every year she and her family remember this tale of a little boy who learned--and taught--an important lesson about giving, one Christmas long ago

“Inspirational and tinged with nostalgia, this will please fans.” —Kirkus Reviews “A well-intentioned tale full of expressive scenes…heartfelt.”— School Library Journal From New York Times bestselling author and master storyteller Patricia Polacco comes the uplifting tale of three inseparable friends who pursue their talents and stop at nothing to achieve their dreams. Based on her own childhood memory, author Patricia Polacco shares the pivotal story of one year in elementary school. On the first day of school, she breaks out in a rash and is called “Cootie” by her classmates. It seems like the year will be a disaster for Patricia until she meets Thom and Ravenne. Each of the friends have their own talent. Thom, with his long legs and graceful manner, loves to dance ballet earning him the name “Sissy Boy.” Ravenne makes kits and paints on fabric, but she’s shy that people call her “Her Ugliness.” Thom, Ravenne, and Patricia are bullied by their classmates causing the three friends to band together for support. For years after that fateful year, encourage each other to stay true to themselves and achieve success in their passions. This endearing and timely story celebrates uniqueness and proves that no matter what challenges stand in your way it’s your differences that make you who you are.

"Anything special happening today, Daddy?" Patricia asked, hoping it would help him remember. "Nope, honey. Today''s about the same as any other day, I''d say." Some birthday! Where was the cake with all the candles, the brightly wrapped present, and the family singing "happy birthday" all together? Not only had the festivities apparently been forgotten, but Dad suggests a trip to one of the scariest places on earth -- home of the Clay Pit Bottoms Monster! With a sparkle of mischief, Patricia Polacco''s bold, expressive pictures tell how a certain little girl has the spookiest, most exciting, funniest, and best birthday ever.

"Stella loves books so much, she starts her own library--but then a storm threatens to destroy everything"--

Patricia Polacco takes on cliques and online bullying Lyla finds a great friend in Jamie on her first day of school, but when Lyla makes the cheerleading squad and a clique of popular girls invites her to join them, Jamie is left behind. Lyla knows bullying when she sees it, though, and when she sees the girls viciously teasing classmates on Facebook, including Jamie, she is smart enough to get out. But no one dumps these girls, and now they''re out for revenge. Patricia Polacco has taken up the cause against bullies ever since Thank You, Mr. Falker, and her passion shines through in this powerful story of a girl who stands up for a friend.

From critically acclaimed author Patricia Polacco comes a heartwarming story about a girl named Annie, her lucky Thursdays, and a special cat who comes into her life just in time to make everything right. Thursdays have always been lucky for Annie Fetlock. She was born on a Thursday. She won her first cooking contest at the age of eight on a Thursday. She met the love of her life, Mario, on a Thursday. They were married on a bright Thursday afternoon and their two children were both born on a Thursday. Annie is known far and wide for her Poke Pasta Salad and has the most popular restaurant for miles around. When Mario suddenly passes away, Annie’s joy and love of cooking disappears. Before too long, a little kitty appears and Annie takes the kitty in, and, of course, calls it Thursday. Annie is back making Poke Salad in no time. Thursday the cat is known for amazing twirls and tricks and one day his twirls land him in Annie’s draining rigatoni, causing the pot of hot oil, garlic, and peppers to spill into the pasta! Then the entire container of Parmesan cheese overturned into the mix. The customers were horrified until they noticed that what looked like a big mess had the most amazing aroma and turned out to be the most delicious pasta dish ever created! Ugly Pasta—the dish that would make Annie famous for miles around—was born. And of course it was a Thursday!

A charming picture book set in an Amish community, by the beloved storyteller Patricia Polacco. Naomi lives with her farming family in an Amish village in Pennsylvania. As part of her household chores, Naomi looks after the chickens with her little sister, Ruth. One day Naomi and Ruth find an abandoned egg near the road. Naomi decides this special egg must be hatched. And when it is, it''s plain to see that this is no ordinary chick! The girls keep the chick, named Fancy, a secret . . . until the day of their family''s community working bee. On this day, Naomi is to receive a white organdy cap, an Amish tradition, as a reward for her hard work and responsibility. But on this day, too, Fancy the chick decides to introduce himself to the community! The results are a sheer delight, pure and simple. Accompanied by Patricia Polacco''s beautiful artwork, this story of discovery and growing up will stay in the hearts of all who turn its pages.

A heartwarming story of friendship and celebrating our differences--and the teachers who help us shine--from master storyteller Patricia Polacco, author of Thank You, Mr. Falker. In this story based on the author-illustrator''s own childhood, Patricia Polacco once again celebrates the power teachers have to help us discover the potential we each hold. Young Trisha is devastated when she finds out that her class at her new school is known as the junkyard. It is a special class, and she had moved from where she used to live so she wouldn’t be in a special class anymore! But then she meets her teacher, the amazing Mrs. Peterson, and her classmates, an oddly brilliant group of misfit kids, whom the other kids in school call the junkyard kids. Much to her own surprise, it is here in the junkyard that Trisha discovers the true meaning of genius, and that this group of misfits are, in fact, Junkyard Wonders, each and every one of them. Now with questions at the back of the book to help guide readers through discussions about the ideas featured in the story, this kindness edition of The Junkyard Wonders brings celebrated author-illustrator Patricia Polacco''s work to a new audience of young readers who can be inspired by its message.