Date of Birth: July 11, 1944
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Biography
Patricia Polacco is a distinguished American author and illustrator best known for her children’s books which often reflect her diverse cultural heritage. Born into a family rich with storytelling traditions, Patricia grew up hearing tales from her Russian, Ukrainian, and Irish ancestors. Her family moved frequently, and she spent much of her childhood in Oakland, California, where she struggled with dyslexia. It wasn’t until she was 14 years old that she learned to read. Despite these challenges, Patricia found solace in drawing and storytelling. Polacco began her professional career later in life, publishing her first book, “Meteor!” in 1987 when she was in her 40s. Since then, she has written and illustrated over 60 books. Her stories often contain themes of family, multiculturalism, and overcoming adversity. Some of her most beloved works include “Thank You, Mr. Falker”, “The Keeping Quilt”, and “Pink and Say”. Her books have received numerous awards and have been praised for their emotional depth and vibrant illustrations.
5 Interesting Facts about Patricia Polacco
1. Patricia Polacco didn’t learn to read until she was 14 years old due to undiagnosed dyslexia.
2. She holds a Ph.D. in Art History, with a specialization in Russian and Greek painting.
3. Her book “Thank You, Mr. Falker” is a tribute to the teacher who helped her overcome her reading difficulties.
4. She often incorporates elements of her own family history and heritage into her stories.
5. Patricia Polacco has received numerous awards for her work, including the Sydney Taylor Book Award and the Golden Kite Award.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Patricia Polacco
1. “It’s not the teacher’s job to teach; it’s the student’s job to learn.”
2. “The most important thing you can do is read to your child. Read in the morning, read in the evening, and read at night.”
3. “I write and draw for children because I want them to know they are not alone.”
4. “Stories from my family were the way I connected with the past and with my ancestors.”
5. “Books are the foundation of civilization. Without them, we have no history, no culture, no progress.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Patricia Polacco’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Patricia Polacco has two children, a son named Steven and a daughter named Traci. Both have inspired characters and stories in her books.
Relevant Links
1. [Patricia Polacco’s Official Website](http://www.patriciapolacco.com/
2. [Patricia Polacco’s Goodreads Page](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5076.Patricia_Polacco
3. [Biography on Scholastic](https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/authors/patricia-polacco/
4. [Interview with Reading Rockets](https://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/polacco
5. [Patricia Polacco on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Patricia+Polacco