The Art of Miss Chew

“The joy of artistic creation and the value of teachers who are willing to look outside the box come through clearly in the first-person narrative and Polacco’s fluid illustrations.” — Publishers Weekly

“Full of color and movement… . [Polacco’s] first-person narration tells her tragedy and triumph in a very down-to-earth way, using the tone of the 11-year-old she was.” — Kirkus Reviews

“The moving memoir will resonate with any student who has struggled with reading and should also spark empathy among their classmates.” — Booklist

“Heartwarming tribute… . Detailed representational paintings bring to life scenes that evoke both true sorrow and absolute joy.” — School Library Journal

“In this heartfelt autobiographical picture book, Patricia Polacco pays tribute to her first art teacher, Miss Violet Chew.” — Library Media Connection

Born Patricia Ann Barber in Lansing, Michigan, to parents of Russian and Ukrainian descent on one side and Irish on the other, Patricia Polacco grew up in both California and Michigan. Her school year was spent in Oakland, California, and summers in her beloved Michigan. She describes her family members as marvelous storytellers. “My fondest memories are of sitting around a stove or open fire, eating apples and popping corn while listening to the old ones tell glorious stories about their homeland and the past. We are tenacious traditionalists and sentimentalists…. With each retelling our stories gain a little more Umph!”

Her childhood on her grandparents’ farm in Union City, Michigan, was a magical time. She experienced the profound influence of her grandparents, which she notes is reflected in her books where young protagonists interact with elderly characters. This respect and connection with elders has shaped her life and work.

The author moved from Michigan to Coral Gables, Florida, and then to Oakland, California, where she lived for nearly 37 years. She fondly remembers her diverse neighborhood on Ocean View Drive, appreciating the richness of different cultures and beliefs.

Polacco faced significant challenges in school due to dyslexia, not learning to read until she was almost 14. This experience instilled in her a deep understanding of learning disabilities and a strong belief that they do not equate to a lack of intelligence. With the help of a supportive teacher, she overcame these challenges and excelled academically.

She went on to earn an M.F.A. and a Ph.D. in art history, specializing in Russian and Greek painting, and iconographic history. She has worked as a museum consultant on the restoration of icons.

Polacco began writing children’s books at the age of 41. Her artistic talents, which manifested early on, have always been a part of her life, leading her to illustrate her own stories. The rich tradition of storytelling in her family, with roots in Ukraine, Russia, and Ireland, provided fertile ground for her imagination. She emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s inner voice and avoiding distractions like television to foster creativity.

Currently residing in Union City, Michigan, on a historic farm, Patricia Polacco is involved in various initiatives promoting children’s literature, writing seminars, and storytelling festivals. She has traveled extensively, particularly in Russia, and supports programs that foster understanding between cultures and encourage literacy and peaceful conflict resolution. She is the mother of a grown son and daughter.

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