Thank+You,+Mr.+Falker

 Duaah Galal //Thank you, Mr. Falker // By Patricia Polacco
 * Bibliographic Data: **

Reading level: Ages 6 and up Grades: 1-5 Hardcover: 40 pages Language: English Hardcover Price: $10.56 Publisher: Philomel (May 4, 1998) ISBN-10: 0399231668 ISBN-13: 9780399231667


 * Summary: **

The powerful and inspiring book, __Thank you, Mr. Falker__ includes a young girl (Trisha) and her experience of being the only student in her class that can’t read. Thank you, Mr. Falker conveys the difficulties and frustrations felt by the young girl as she struggles in school. Mr. Falker, notices her problem, and spends time helping her to make sense of letters and words. The surprise in the book is that Trisha is really Patricia Polacco. This story of a dyslexic child struggling with not being able to read is one who grows up to be an award winning, famous children's author. __Thank you, Mr. Falker__ is a story that is sure to touch the hearts of many individuals.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">I truly enjoyed Patricia Polacco’s __Thank you, Mr. Falker__ because there are great morals throughout the story for both teachers and students. Students need to know that there will be times where learning may be hard or easy. They should also know that no one is perfect and everyone learns differently. It is touching to see that the story is a true experience for the author, which proved that nothing is out of reach. The wonderful illustrations throughout the story create a variety of emotions in the reader. This story also encourages students to thank their teachers for all that they do. As a future teacher, I hope I am able to give my students the tools that they need in order to accomplish their goals. I love that __Thank you, Mr. Falker__ is a story that other children and struggling learners can relate to. It is one that may have students turning over a new leaf and become more motivated to learn even when it has proven difficult. Overall, one must remember that it is ok to be different than others regardless if it is a difference in learning ability.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Book Review: **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Analysis of Literary Element (Theme): **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">A recurring theme in __Thank you, Mr. Falker__ was the special connection between the student and the teacher who helped Trisha reach her true potential. By asking Trisha to stay after school and spending time with her to realize where her area of weakness is, Mr. Falker comforted Trisha in a way that made her understand that she is different than others in a manner she should not be ashamed of. “But, little one, don’t you understand, you don’t see letters or numbers the way other people do. And you’ve gotten through school all this time, and fooled many, many good teachers!” Mr. Falker was sure to emphasize that one should look at the positive and that there is always room for improvement. “That took cunning, and smartness, and such, such bravery,” said Mr. Falker. “We’re going to change all that, girl. You’re going to read—I promise you that” (30). Another theme is how the effects of bullying can impact an individual as shown with Trisha when she starts losing faith in herself as she’s teased by her classmates who call her “Stupid!” “Ugly!” and “Dumbbell, dumbbell, magotty old dumbbell” (24). Mr. Falker demonstrated a great example of how one should not be treated differently in such a manner where they are constantly bullied/teased over a factor that differentiates them from the rest. “Stop! Are all of you so perfect that you can look at another person and find fault with her?” (20). Overall, Thank you, Mr. Falker allows for students to come to an understanding that it is ok to be different. With hard work and dedicated teachers obstacles can be overcome regardless of what one may experience in the classroom setting.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Author Biography: **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Patricia Polacco was born in Lansing, Michigan in 1994 and soon after her birth she lived in Williamston, Michigan and then moved onto her grandparents farm in Union City, Michigan. This was the most magical time of her life and is the place where she heard wonderful stories told. Her grandparents were some of the most inspirational people in her life. She then lived most of her life in Oakland, California. What she loved most about Oakland was that all her neighbors came in many colors, ideas, and religions. “How lucky I was to know so many people that were so different and so much alike!”

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Polacco wasn’t a very good student in elementary school and had a hard time with reading and writing. She didn’t learn to read until she was almost 14 years old. Her teachers only discovered she had a learning disability (dyslexia) when she read out loud and mispronounced words or reconstructed things that weren’t even there. Once she received the help she needed, she was able to read very well

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Patricia Palacco came from a family of incredible storytellers, but did not start writing children’s books until the age of 41. She gets many of her ideas from her own imagination and the “voice” inside her which inspired thoughts came from. Drawing, painting and sculpture were always a part of her life. Patricia earned a degree in Fine Art and got a Ph.D. in Art History. She now has two children and has moved back to the “magical farm” in Union City, where she hosts various events that celebrate children’s literature.


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