Charter Oak students began the 2005-2006 school year with a very special visit from award winning children's book author and illustrator Patricia Polacco.  

    Patricia is the author and illustrator of more than 40  books for children.  She is loved for her vibrant color and descriptive language.  Patricia writes about cultural differences, family, friendships, and many important aspects of being a kid!  

      Who would guess that as a little girl Patricia had a very  tough time in school.   She did not learn to read until she was almost 14 years old! Patricia explains that she felt pretty dumb and was often teased by other kids. You can read about her struggle and the teacher that helped her in the book, Thank Your Mr. Falker

    Many people ask Ms. Polacco where she gets all her great ideas.  Patricia  says that she gets her ideas from the same place you do...her imagination!  There are many reasons that Patricia has such a great imagination one is because she comes from a family of storytellers and, they DID NOT own a television!  Patricia says, "All of us have that "voice". It is where all inspired thoughts come from....but when you have electronic screens in front, of you, speaking that voice for you... it DROWNS OUT THE VOICE! When I talk to children and aspiring writers, I always ask them to listen to the voice, turn off the TV."

    Just like all of our fabulous writers here at Charter Oak Patricia writes about small moments from her own life.  A few of my favorites are Mr. Lincoln's Way, about a very special school principal,  and Thunder Cake, which is the story of how Patricia was afraid of thunder and lightening when she was a child.  I also love My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother,  the story of Patricia Polacco’s childhood relationship with her brother Richard, and their unending battle to outdo one another!  There are just too many fabulous books to share so please click on this picture of Ms. Polacco to see all of her books and pick one that looks great to you!