Thank You, Mr. Falker

It’s that time of year when those of us in the United States are thinking about what we are thankful for. In the spirit of the season, I am going to take a break from reviewing a middle grade chapter book today. Instead, I will be spotlighting a favorite picture book of mine, which ties in with the theme of gratitude.

Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco is a book that I have read many times. The girl in the story, Trisha, starts off enjoying school. She quickly changes her mind when the words she sees don’t make sense. As much as she wants to read, she can’t. Not only are the other kids in class noticing the fact that Trisha can’t read, but they are calling her a dummy and picking on her. Luckily, a kind teacher realizes that Trisha is struggling and has her stay after school. He works with her using different techniques. Mr. Falker believes in Trisha. Can he get her to believe in herself? Read this heartwarming story to find out!

I think anyone who has ever had a teacher help them learn will love Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco. I could easily connect with Trisha because I had trouble learning to read. I would practice over and over again, but I couldn’t put the words into sentences I understood. It took me a long time, but eventually I became a reader. Once I started reading, I have never wanted to stop. I am thankful that I am able to read. It takes me places I have never been before. Reading about Trisha’s experience made me stop and think about the teachers that I have had so far and the different ways they have helped me. I am lucky to have had teachers that really care about me. There are many people who don’t come from loving homes, and a teacher may be one of the only people who treats them with love and kindness. Mr. Falker sounds like a teacher I would like. I enjoy this story because it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside each time I read it. This is a great book for people ages 8 and up. Younger kids might enjoy it too, but it is a longer picture book, with lots of words. If you are looking for a book to inspire you and make you feel thankful, then look no further!

Has anyone else read Thank You, Mr. Falker? Or another book by Patricia Polacco? What did you think? Stop by Storyline Online to have the book read to you!

Happy Reading! ~L