Thank You, Mr. Falker

Gifted storyteller Patricia Polacco tells of the sweetness of books and reading and of young Tricia's frustration with school and learning. Happily, a new year and a new teacher bring lasting change to Tricia's life. Kate Forbes narrates quietly but firmly, letting the heart-wrenching story speak for itself. As Tricia is teased repeatedly by her classmates, Forbes conveys tension through a tightened voice. As Mr. Falker guides Tricia's increasing skill in reading and growing pride in herself, Forbes's rich voice lets tenderness permeate. Let every child know this story by heart! A.R. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine

May 4, 1998
Fans of Polacco's (Thundercake; Pink and Say) work know well her talent for weaving her colorful family history throughout her picture books. Here Polacco shares her childhood triumph over dyslexia and discovery of reading in an inspiring if slightly formulaic story. Young Trisha is eager to taste the "sweetness of knowledge" that her grandfather has always revered (here symbolized by drizzling honey onto a book and tasting it, which harkens back to Polacco's earlier The Bee Tree). But when she looks at words and numbers, everything is a jumble. Trisha endures the cruel taunts of classmates who call her "dumb," and falls behind in her studies. But finally the encouragement and efforts of a new fifth grade teacher, Mr. Falker, trigger a monumental turning point in Trisha's life. She begins to blossom and develop all of her talents, including reading. Polacco's tale is all the more heartfelt because of its personal nature. Young readers struggling with learning difficulties will identify with Trisha's situation and find reassurance in her success. Polacco's gouache-and-pencil compositions deftly capture the emotional stages--frustration, pain, elation--of Trisha's journey. Ages 5-up.