Title: Thank You, Mr. Falker

Author: Patricia Polacco

Illustrator: Patricia Polacco

Genre/Theme: Realistic Fiction

Grade Level Appropriateness: Kindergarten-Second Grade

Characters: Trisha, Mr. Falker, Miss Plessy, Trisha’s classmates, grandfather, grandmother

Summary: Trisha loved to draw. She performed magic with crayons and paints, making incredibly beautiful pictures. Trisha was eager to start school since she wanted to learn how to read. Unfortunately, she soon found out that the words and letters on the book pages wiggled and jumbled. She could draw but failed in reading. As the years went by Trisha struggled more and more, with math and reading. Her peers teased her and called her dumb. Her family moved to California. She attended fifth grade there. Her fifth grade teacher Mr. Falker finally recognized her pain and distress. He silenced the other children who taunted Trisha. He understood her problem and took time to help her overcome it. Mr. Falker together with a reading teacher encouraged her and led Trisha into the magic of reading.

Comments: It is an inspiring story about a teacher who made a difference in a student’s life and student who was able to overcome her disability. All children struggling with learning disabilities can identify with Trisha and find reassurance in her success. This touching story is accompanied by great illustrations that clearly demonstrates emotions and and feelings described in words.