Trisha spends time with
her artistic grandma and knows that she wants to become an artist. Unfortunately, art is taught on a cart at her
school, so resources are limited. Her teacher sees something in Trisha’s work
and recommends her for a special class taught by Miss Violet Chew. When Trisha gets into the class, she is inspired and learns to appreciate art in a whole new way. It brightens her spirit and her world begins to open up to her. She has always been a struggling
student, but Miss Chew allows her extra time for tests, to help her succeed.
When tragedy strikes and her teacher is out for an extended time, a substitute teacher steps in. The substitute tells Trisha that she is wasting her time on art, when she could be spending her time studying, and refuses to give Trisha extra time for tests. Now, the art class is in jeopardy. Will Trisha be able to continue her lessons with Mrs. Chew? Is there any way for her to juggle her academics and her passion for art? Can people only have one path to success? You will have to journey with Trisha to uncover how things turn out!
When tragedy strikes and her teacher is out for an extended time, a substitute teacher steps in. The substitute tells Trisha that she is wasting her time on art, when she could be spending her time studying, and refuses to give Trisha extra time for tests. Now, the art class is in jeopardy. Will Trisha be able to continue her lessons with Mrs. Chew? Is there any way for her to juggle her academics and her passion for art? Can people only have one path to success? You will have to journey with Trisha to uncover how things turn out!
Patricia Polacco continues
to amaze me. Most of her books are based
on her life, or the life of her relatives. The drawings that accompany her
stories have a unique style, and I can now recognize her illustrations right
away. So far, I have been able to connect
to all of her characters, whether I have been in their shoes or not. Reading
the newest book about Trisha, The Art of
Miss Chew, I couldn’t help but root for her. I hate to see anyone’s dreams dashed by
others, especially adults. Drawing is
something that I struggle with and continue to work on. I was so happy for Trisha when she got into
the art program, and I loved her teacher, Mrs. Chew. Teachers can make such a difference in their students’
lives and watching things unfold kept me turning the pages. With the guidance of special teachers, we can
all learn to look at the world in ways we never thought possible. I recommend this book to people of all ages because we all need a little magic in our lives, and we need people in our
corner cheering us on. Art is so subjective and people look at the same pieces
through the lenses of their own experiences. If you haven’t read this book,
then you need to pick it up to see the ways that art can help someone discover
who they are. You will be reminded of
the teachers who have helped you along the way.
This is a book you will want to read over and over again, and the
pictures will speak to you!
Stop by Friday, May 17th for a chance to read an interview with this talented author and illustrator!
Happy Reading! ~L
Sounds like a great read with some tremendous illustrations. Though never very talented I always loved arts and crafts at school and was never happier than when it involved glitter and glue.
ReplyDeletePetty- It is a great read and I love the illustrations. Glitter is such fun! ~L
DeleteWhat a wonderful book! Wish I'd have read it when I was 15. I might've given my art a real go. :( At that age, I dreamed of illustrating comic books. I still paint and draw (and now, do a little graphic art, too), but it's definitely a hobby.
ReplyDeleteLuckily, I 'discovered' writing later on in life. I've made it my artistic 'non-hobby'. :)
E.J.- It is a wonderful book! I think it is a great book for kids. I am so glad you discovered writing and can indulge your creative side. Awesome that you still draw and paint. Who knows- a comic book could still be in your future. :) ~L
DeleteThis sounds like a great book after my own heart. I always loved art more than any other class and do appreciate those in my life who encouraged me to pursue it throughout my life. Painting is still one of my favorite pastimes. Writing is the other. Creative gardening comes in a close third.
ReplyDeleteAnna- I love that you painting is still one of your favorite pastimes. It sounds like you have three fabulous creative outlets! I think this is a book you will love. :) ~L
DeleteI know...her books are always lovely in about a hundred different ways!
ReplyDeletePatty- Nicely put! ~L
DeleteWhat a lovely story! Kids (and adults too!) need to be shown/taught/allowed to realize their dreams are individual and reachable! Squashing anyone is despicable!
ReplyDeleteJemi- It is! I think it is a book that will inspire people to believe in themselves and follow their dreams. :) ~L
DeleteThis sounds absolutely lovely! I love a good teacher story, too, because they're sooo important! (I may be a bit biased there though!)
ReplyDeleteMeradeth- It is! I love teacher stories too! Teachers help to inspire and encourage us. :) ~L
DeletePatricia Polacco is soooo super fantastical! Our one and only girl is a lover of art. She thinks that's what she wants to major in. She is really good too. I gotta go get this. It's time for a trip to town. I guess we know one stop I'll be making, don't we?? (((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteRobyn- Yes, she is! I hope your daughter will enjoy this book. I think she will love it! I love that your daughter wants to major in art. :) ~L
DeleteThanks for introducing me to Patricia!
ReplyDeleteKelly- You are welcome! ~L
DeleteHooray for the Miss Chews and Patricia Polaccos in the world! Nobody's dreams should be dashed by anyone. I've never been really talented in painting and so am always envious of those who can draw really well. It's all in the details, isn't it? Thanks for sharing Patricia's works. I'll recommend them to a student and read them after she does (because she's such a quick reader and I'm terribly slooow).
ReplyDeleteClaudine- I agree! I hope you enjoy Patricia's books. I love the messages in each one and she has a way with words. Thank goodness for all the teachers, writers, and artists out there. :) ~L
DeleteHeidi- I agree with you that art is so important. It is an outlet for creativity and a way we can express ourselves. I especially like when we do pottery in school. :) ~L
ReplyDelete