RENOWNED AUTHOR SPENDS TIME IN SCHOOL

Owen J. Roberts School District was honored to have worldclass author, Patricia Polacco, spending time in the elementary schools recently. Parent groups from the schools worked together to bring her in to share stories and talk with students about the writing process, growing up with disabilities, and importance of kindness.

Polacco is an award-winning author and illustrator of over 90 children’s books including “Meteor,” “Thank you Mr. Falker,” “The Keeping Quilt,” “Thunder Cake” and “The Bee Tree.” She is a gifted storyteller. Many of her enchanting tales are drawn from family history. She became accomplished as an artist because of her struggle with undiagnosed dyslexia in school. She did not grasp the ability to read until she was nearly 14, but found peace and satisfaction in the practice of art, which she says is “like breathing” for her. Her books touch on themes such as acceptance, heritage, diversity, learning disabilities and family.

Author Patricia Polacco, center, with a group of students from North Coventry Elementary School.

“Meteor” was one of the first books written by Polacco. It tells the story of a falling star which landed on her great-grandparents’ farm. She brings a piece of the meteor with her and allows astudents to touch it and make a wish. Polacco, left,...

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY OWEN J. ROBERTS SCHOOL DISTRICT The Keeping Quilt: Patricia Polacco explains that every baby born into her family is welcomed in this quilt.