An Orange for Frankie

Praise for An Orange for Frankie
“Autobiography melds with history in this poignant tale of a family tradition, set around Christmastime during the Great Depression.”–Booklist

“Polacco’s watercolor-and-pencil illustrations are well rendered as always and appropriate for this slight but wordy, nostalgic tale.”–School Library Journal

“Holiday treats abound in a colorful and touching story of generosity and the ties that bind, based on a story of the author’s great-uncle. “–Publishers Weekly

“If you are a Polacco fan then you know that her books reflect a family experience, and that she has a way of tugging at the hearts of her readers. This offering is no different … Polacco’s loose watercolor and pencil drawings show a familiar cast of characters and readers will feel like they have once again stepping into the lives of this fascinating family of Polacco’s.”–Children’s Literature

“Polacco’s illustrations … are timeless in their portrayal of a happy family enjoying life together.”–Kirkus Reviews

Patricia Polacco was born Patricia Ann Barber in Lansing, Michigan, in 1944. Her parents were of Russian and Ukrainian descent on one side, and Irish on the other. She spent her school years in Oakland, California, and her summers in Union City, Michigan, on her grandparents’ farm. She describes her family members as marvelous storytellers.

Her childhood was deeply influenced by her relationships with her grandparents, which she feels have shaped her life and her work. She often incorporates the interaction between young people and the elderly in her books, considering it a valuable life experience.

Patricia struggled with reading and math in school, not learning to read until she was almost 14. She was eventually diagnosed with dyslexia, a learning disability that she now recognizes does not mean unintelligent, but rather a different way of learning. This realization, and the help of a supportive teacher, allowed her to succeed academically.

She went on to attend university, earning a degree in Fine Art, followed by a graduate degree and a Ph.D. in Art History. For a time, she worked in museum consulting, specializing in the restoration of ancient art, particularly icons. She has also traveled extensively in Russia and other former Soviet republics, participating in citizen exchange programs and supporting Russo-American friendships.

Patricia began writing children’s books at the age of 41. Her artistic talents, which were evident even before she started writing, manifested early as a symptom of her dyslexia—the ability to draw exceptionally well. Her passion for storytelling, inherited from her family’s rich oral traditions, naturally translated into her writing.

She is the mother of two grown children, Steven and Traci. Patricia Polacco now resides in Union City, Michigan, on a historic farm. She is actively involved in promoting children’s literature and plans to open her home and community for writing seminars, storytelling festivals, and other literary events. She also supports inner-city projects in the U.S. focused on conflict resolution, art, and literacy programs.

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