An A From Miss Keller

June 1, 2015
There are now a half-dozen stories by Polacco about teachers who made a difference for her as she grew up. This one is about "Killer Keller," who never gave an A to anyone and whose students did not always last out the semester. Young Patricia is honored to be chosen for Miss Keller's writing class, but she is also intimidated by the teacher's booming, Southern-accented voice and imperious manner. Young would-be writers will be awed, as Patricia was, by Miss Keller's regal bearing, red lipstick, long red fingernails, and by her uncompromising approach. For her first homework assignment for Miss Keller, Patricia writes an essay, pouring out three pages of affectionate details about her family and home. She is stung to have her "masterpiece" dismissed due to a surfeit of "love"s. Patricia's next-door neighbor, Pop, a retired baker, comforts her at the end of the day and tells her a story of Killer Keller, Pop's thesaurus, and one of Pop's own sons. How Patricia eventually earns that A is as heart-tugging as all of Polacco's family-based tales; it is sentimental to be sure, but it is brought to life by the author's pencil-and-marker illustrations, featuring her characteristically exaggerated and expressive line and color. Patricia's dejection and subsequent triumph come through loud and clear. Equally sound as inspiration and writing advice, this tale fits neatly in Polacco's oeuvre. (Picture book. 6-12)

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October 1, 2015

Gr 1-4-Trisha is nervous about taking Miss Keller's advanced writing class. True to the rumors, this teacher is tough, taking pains to critique Trisha's lack of emotional connection in her writing. Trisha visits with her neighbor Pop for encouragement, and he shares stories about his beloved wife and sons, who also took Killer Keller's writing class. After learning of Pop's death by sudden heart attack, Trisha writes down her feelings without worrying about her grade, and Miss Keller tells Trisha she has "given [her] words wings," finally earning an "A." The text maintains a conversational tone throughout ("Guess what?" and "She actually hugged me!") to tell this personal story of loss and growth. Polacco's colorful illustrations are engaging, with pencil lines used in the characters' facial expressions to evoke a range of emotion, from Miss Keller's birdlike scrutiny to Trisha's anxiety and heartbreaking grief. The middle school setting may make this text-heavy picture book better suited for independent reading or for sharing with older children. Add Miss Keller to Polacco's collection of inspirational teachers, including Mr. Falker, Mr. Lincoln, and Miss Chew. VERDICT A recommended general purchase, especially where longer picture books are needed.-Hannah Farmer, Seguin Public Library, TX

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2015
Grades 1-3 Polacco introduces readers to another inspirational teacher from her past in this stirring tale. Trisha is nervous about attending a writing class with Miss Keller, who has a reputation for being a harsh grader. The strong-willed Miss Keller introduces her students to a thesaurus, takes them on field trips, and assigns a variety of writings. But all of Trisha's attempts meet with disapproval, since Miss Keller believes her writing lacks emotional connection. In talking with her beloved neighbor, Pop, Trisha learns that his sons also had Killer Keller and that she was instrumental in helping one of them achieve his dream of becoming a journalist. When tragedy strikes, it touches the girl deeply, and she ends up pouring out her feelings in a final assignment, unconcerned with her grade, simply needing to put thoughts to paper. For the first time, Miss Keller is touched, feels Trisha's pain, and, in fact, shares it. This story from the author's life, colorfully illustrated with pencils and markers in her signature style, is affecting, engaging, and informative.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)