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The Junkyard Wonders
When young Trisha finds out her class at the new school is known as The Junkyard, she is devastated. She moved from her old town so she wouldn't be in a special class anymore! But then she meets her teacher, the quirky and invincible Mrs. Peterson, and her classmates, an oddly brilliant group of students each with his or her own unique talent. And it is here in The Junkyard that Trisha learns the true meaning of genius, and that this group of misfits are, in fact, wonders, all of them. Based on a real-life event in Patricia Polacco's childhood, this ode to teachers will inspire all readers to find their inner genius.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published July 8, 2010
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1557 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Polacco
95 books1,063 followersPatricia Polacco is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator with around seventy beloved and award-winning books to her credit, including The Keeping Quilt, Pink and Say, The Blessing Cup, Chicken Sunday, and Thank You, Mr. Falker. She resides in Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 463 reviews
March 2, 2024
Yes, The Junkyard Wonders (written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco) is truly a biographical treasure and indeed has it all so to speak, as both text and images are evocative, heartwarming, emotionally wrenching, ultimately triumphant (and all at the same time).
And the premise for The Junkyard Wonders is that when Tricia (who of course is Patricia Polacco as a child since The Junkyard Wonders is based on her own childhood experiences with dyslexia) decides that she wants to live with her father for a while, she is dismayed when she is, yet again, put into a special education class, derisively labeled the junkyard. However, Mrs. Peterson's class has incredible, wonderful classmates (friends) for Tricia, and an extraordinary teacher, who inspires her students to be creative, imaginative, to believe in themselves, who shows them that they are truly "special" in the best, most positive sense of the word.
Now reading The Junkyard Wonders, I am finding myself both inspired and also enveloped by the many emotions, the many themes, messages flowing into and out of Polacco’s featured text, with a rich and varied verbal tapestry of happiness, sadness, anger, fear and also a bit of frustration entering my soul, my very being. And then there is Mrs. Peterson, a truly one-of-a-kind teacher. She makes Tricia and her classmates believe in themselves. She encourages their creativity, their dreams and ideas, at a time when most of the other teachers and students only see that the students in Mrs. Peterson's junkyard are somehow different, that they that they are challenged. And while The Junkyard Wonders does sadly show that Mrs. Peterson might not actually be able to stop the bullying, the negativity that is often directed at her students, she makes her students realise that they "can" and that life is full of wonder and endless possibility.
So personally speaking, I would recommend The Junkyard Wonders to older children above the age eight or so. And albeit there is quite a lot of descriptively dense text, it is not primarily that which makes me hesitate to recommend The Junkyard Wonders to and for younger children, but that Patricia Polacco’s story does cover some rather heavy duty scenarios such as the already mentioned above bullying and also the unexpected death of a classmate (and yes, I unashamedly cried while reading The Junkyard Wonders and that I was also fuming with indignation when the school’s principal chose to listen to and believe the lies told by the school bully).
Finally, and like other reviewers have also mentioned, I do not think that Patricia Polacco's bold and colourful illustrations for The Junkyard Wonders would be all that visually appealing to me on their own. However, in combination with the text, they do work amazingly well, providing a fitting compliment, with Polacco’s artwork mirroring and expanding on the joy, the heartbreak, the love, the hope, all of the emotions portrayed and described in and by her words.
And the premise for The Junkyard Wonders is that when Tricia (who of course is Patricia Polacco as a child since The Junkyard Wonders is based on her own childhood experiences with dyslexia) decides that she wants to live with her father for a while, she is dismayed when she is, yet again, put into a special education class, derisively labeled the junkyard. However, Mrs. Peterson's class has incredible, wonderful classmates (friends) for Tricia, and an extraordinary teacher, who inspires her students to be creative, imaginative, to believe in themselves, who shows them that they are truly "special" in the best, most positive sense of the word.
Now reading The Junkyard Wonders, I am finding myself both inspired and also enveloped by the many emotions, the many themes, messages flowing into and out of Polacco’s featured text, with a rich and varied verbal tapestry of happiness, sadness, anger, fear and also a bit of frustration entering my soul, my very being. And then there is Mrs. Peterson, a truly one-of-a-kind teacher. She makes Tricia and her classmates believe in themselves. She encourages their creativity, their dreams and ideas, at a time when most of the other teachers and students only see that the students in Mrs. Peterson's junkyard are somehow different, that they that they are challenged. And while The Junkyard Wonders does sadly show that Mrs. Peterson might not actually be able to stop the bullying, the negativity that is often directed at her students, she makes her students realise that they "can" and that life is full of wonder and endless possibility.
So personally speaking, I would recommend The Junkyard Wonders to older children above the age eight or so. And albeit there is quite a lot of descriptively dense text, it is not primarily that which makes me hesitate to recommend The Junkyard Wonders to and for younger children, but that Patricia Polacco’s story does cover some rather heavy duty scenarios such as the already mentioned above bullying and also the unexpected death of a classmate (and yes, I unashamedly cried while reading The Junkyard Wonders and that I was also fuming with indignation when the school’s principal chose to listen to and believe the lies told by the school bully).
Finally, and like other reviewers have also mentioned, I do not think that Patricia Polacco's bold and colourful illustrations for The Junkyard Wonders would be all that visually appealing to me on their own. However, in combination with the text, they do work amazingly well, providing a fitting compliment, with Polacco’s artwork mirroring and expanding on the joy, the heartbreak, the love, the hope, all of the emotions portrayed and described in and by her words.
July 23, 2010
Patricia Polacco is a wonder; she’s just wonderful. She contributes so much for children who are struggling, and for all readers, with the majority of her books; this is one of those books. It reminded me very much of two other of my favorite Polacco books: Thank You, Mr. Falker and Mr. Lincoln's Way. I love marvelous teacher stories and these three books tell about remarkable teachers.
Last autumn into early this year, 2010, I read my way through all of Polacco’s 51 books (this is the 52nd) starting with Mrs. Katz and Tush (I think) in early November and ending with Mr. Lincoln's Way in early January. Many have brought me to tears, and this book did that.
This is another autobiographical picture book for children. Polacco had difficulty learning to read (and learning other subjects too) when she was young and was put in special classes.
This story is about how for one year she went to live with her father and attended school for one year there, thinking that the other kids wouldn’t know about her past difficulties. Things don’t work out exactly as she'd planned.
This is an inspiring true story about Polacco, her wonderful classmates, and her very special teacher. What a wonder she was! Teachers can make all the difference!
This is a good book for children who have anything different about them, who have any kind of difficulties. It’s a story for teachers to show them how to do it. It’s a story for all kids, and it is a book that would be helpful for the bullied and those who bully other children.
I cried most of the way through it, a typical reaction of mine to Polacco’s books. Her books are so heartfelt.
Make sure to read the last page! Polacco tells what happened to all the members of her tribe, a small group within her class that she belonged to, the vanilla group, which was another great idea of her teacher’s. I loved hearing what happened with everyone when they grew up; including that information added immeasurably to this story.
The junkyard wonders in this book, both children and items, make the title for this book so perfect.
Polacco always had her art, even when other subjects were a challenge. I always enjoy her illustrations. I love the expressions on the faces of all the people on every page. Her illustrations perfectly fit the story.
I eagerly awaited many months for this book to be published and I was rewarded by one of Polacco’s very best books. Now, I can’t wait for the next book. In the past she has often had a new book published every spring and every fall; I fervently hope that there will be a second book in 2010!
Edited to add (since I had to go back and correct a typo anyway): I very much admire Patricia Polacco for turning her personal pain into books, books that will help others and bring enjoyment to readers.
Last autumn into early this year, 2010, I read my way through all of Polacco’s 51 books (this is the 52nd) starting with Mrs. Katz and Tush (I think) in early November and ending with Mr. Lincoln's Way in early January. Many have brought me to tears, and this book did that.
This is another autobiographical picture book for children. Polacco had difficulty learning to read (and learning other subjects too) when she was young and was put in special classes.
This story is about how for one year she went to live with her father and attended school for one year there, thinking that the other kids wouldn’t know about her past difficulties. Things don’t work out exactly as she'd planned.
This is an inspiring true story about Polacco, her wonderful classmates, and her very special teacher. What a wonder she was! Teachers can make all the difference!
This is a good book for children who have anything different about them, who have any kind of difficulties. It’s a story for teachers to show them how to do it. It’s a story for all kids, and it is a book that would be helpful for the bullied and those who bully other children.
I cried most of the way through it, a typical reaction of mine to Polacco’s books. Her books are so heartfelt.
Make sure to read the last page! Polacco tells what happened to all the members of her tribe, a small group within her class that she belonged to, the vanilla group, which was another great idea of her teacher’s. I loved hearing what happened with everyone when they grew up; including that information added immeasurably to this story.
The junkyard wonders in this book, both children and items, make the title for this book so perfect.
Polacco always had her art, even when other subjects were a challenge. I always enjoy her illustrations. I love the expressions on the faces of all the people on every page. Her illustrations perfectly fit the story.
I eagerly awaited many months for this book to be published and I was rewarded by one of Polacco’s very best books. Now, I can’t wait for the next book. In the past she has often had a new book published every spring and every fall; I fervently hope that there will be a second book in 2010!
Edited to add (since I had to go back and correct a typo anyway): I very much admire Patricia Polacco for turning her personal pain into books, books that will help others and bring enjoyment to readers.
April 17, 2019
It is a tricky thing to write a children's picture book that can capture the hummingbird like attention span of a small child, stir an older reader's imagination, and make both their parents misty eyed over their own days as awkward school kids yet Patricia Polacco does it perfectly in this lovely book.
Polacco can be tough for me. She tackles difficult subject matter with a lot of her books. Important and challenging subject matter but often topics that don't make the best bedtime reading. But I find her autobiographical books, like this, both beautiful and magical.
This particular book follows a year she spent living with her father and grandmother and attending school in "The Junkyard Class" where other hard to place or "problem" students are placed. Patricia deals with dyslexia and has been yearning to be a regular kid for just one year but once again finds herself in a room full of children the other kids won't even talk to.
Fortunately their amazing teacher Mrs. Peterson is there to look past the things that other's see as defects, rightly realizing that things like Tourette's syndrome or a young boy's preference for ballet or a girl with selective mutism say nothing at all about how smart they might be or who they really are inside.
Mrs. Peterson nurtures and cultivates the brilliance of her "Junkyard Wonders" with a literal trip to the junkyard where they're instructed to take whatever they want to create their own wonders. Patricia and her friends determine to rebuild a forgotten old model plane and launch it from the school roof on the day of the yearly science fair.
Unfortunately personal tragedy and a disapproving administration conspire to ruin their plans but with perseverance and the support of their teacher and families the children are determined to make their dream a reality.
It was the coda at the end of the book where Polacco reveals what happened to the other members of the Junkyard Wonders that made me tear up. Without exception, each member of her tight knit group of schoolmates went on to do extraordinary things, like really, really extraordinary things.
I take for granted that I live in a time, in a world, in a country, hell in a state that recognizes that just because you learn differently or behave differently from the other kids the answer isn't shutting you away in a back corner closet and recommend that your parents put you in a home cause you're a lost cause. Yes this book is absolutely a wonderful, hopeful story of dedicated and inspiring teachers and determined kids but its also a not so subtle reminder that it wasn't so very long ago that we just lumped all the kids who didn't "fit in" with our ideas of what normal was.
Patricia Polacco may not always be the perfect thing to send my kids off to dreamland but damned if she doesn't tell hard truths with a soft and gentle touch. Not to mention beautiful illustrations that never, ever fail to capture every breath of happiness and pain in her characters.
Polacco can be tough for me. She tackles difficult subject matter with a lot of her books. Important and challenging subject matter but often topics that don't make the best bedtime reading. But I find her autobiographical books, like this, both beautiful and magical.
This particular book follows a year she spent living with her father and grandmother and attending school in "The Junkyard Class" where other hard to place or "problem" students are placed. Patricia deals with dyslexia and has been yearning to be a regular kid for just one year but once again finds herself in a room full of children the other kids won't even talk to.
Fortunately their amazing teacher Mrs. Peterson is there to look past the things that other's see as defects, rightly realizing that things like Tourette's syndrome or a young boy's preference for ballet or a girl with selective mutism say nothing at all about how smart they might be or who they really are inside.
Mrs. Peterson nurtures and cultivates the brilliance of her "Junkyard Wonders" with a literal trip to the junkyard where they're instructed to take whatever they want to create their own wonders. Patricia and her friends determine to rebuild a forgotten old model plane and launch it from the school roof on the day of the yearly science fair.
Unfortunately personal tragedy and a disapproving administration conspire to ruin their plans but with perseverance and the support of their teacher and families the children are determined to make their dream a reality.
It was the coda at the end of the book where Polacco reveals what happened to the other members of the Junkyard Wonders that made me tear up. Without exception, each member of her tight knit group of schoolmates went on to do extraordinary things, like really, really extraordinary things.
I take for granted that I live in a time, in a world, in a country, hell in a state that recognizes that just because you learn differently or behave differently from the other kids the answer isn't shutting you away in a back corner closet and recommend that your parents put you in a home cause you're a lost cause. Yes this book is absolutely a wonderful, hopeful story of dedicated and inspiring teachers and determined kids but its also a not so subtle reminder that it wasn't so very long ago that we just lumped all the kids who didn't "fit in" with our ideas of what normal was.
Patricia Polacco may not always be the perfect thing to send my kids off to dreamland but damned if she doesn't tell hard truths with a soft and gentle touch. Not to mention beautiful illustrations that never, ever fail to capture every breath of happiness and pain in her characters.
September 12, 2021
Sequel to the excellent Thank You, Mr. Falker. Trisha has conquered dyslexia, but still finds herself shunned by many students and placed in a "special" classroom. The "Junkyard" kids are all challenged in some way, but gifted in some way. Wonderful story about challenged children responding to good teaching.
November 27, 2010
As readers, we are blessed that Patricia Polacco continues to find stories to tell us. In this touching book, Polacco shares a pivotal year in her life with the magical Mrs. Peterson and her schoolmates, the Junkyard Wonders. Every teacher and librarian who reads this book will remember the power we have to change children's lives.
July 5, 2011
As a young girl, author Patricia Polacco was diagnosed as dyslexic and she was put inito special classes, however in this book, “The Junkyard Wonders,” young Patricia Polacco has discovered a very special teacher named Mrs. Peterson who teaches her and other students like her that they are special no matter what anyone says about them! “The Junkyard Wonders” is truly one of Patricia Polacco's best works ever created for children!
Beautiful, simply beautiful! I have read many books that depicts Patricia Polacco's troublesome childhood when she was coping with dyslexia, but never have I read a book that truly showed the power of true friendship in such a hopeful light! Patricia Polacco has done a magnificent job at both writing and illustrating this book about a group of kids who each have a disability and how they learned to believe in themselves through an inspiring teacher. Patricia Polacco's writing is dramatic and heartwarming at the same and I truly felt sad for Trisha and her friends as they were teased at school because of their disabilities, but I loved the way that Trisha and her new friends stick together through all the hard times they had at school and I also loved the way that Trisha and her new friends spend so much time with each other after they met which proves how close they are to each other. What I truly loved about this book was the teacher, Mrs. Peterson and it was so inspiring about how she helped the children with disabilities believe in themselves and see that they are special in a good way. I also loved her definition of a genius as it defined that everyone in that classroom are all geniuses and it does not single anyone out. I also loved the fact about how Mrs. Peterson showed the class about making new objects out of something old in the junkyard and it was truly special in how they built an airplane together since it showed how everyone came together to make something that represented the whole class. Patricia Polacco's illustrations are truly beautiful and heartwarming at the same time and I loved the illustrations of Patricia Polacco as a child as she always wears pigtails and a dress and has a hopeful expression on her face. My favorite image was of Mrs. Peterson coming into her class and you can see all the children including Trisha staring up at Mrs. Peterson thinking that she was intimidating, however I really loved the appearance of Mrs. Peterson as she does have an appearance of a strict teacher as she wears a gray dress, wears glasses and has her hair in a bun, but she has such a kind face and wisdom beyond her years that I immediately fell in love with her!
All in all, “The Junkyard Wonders” is a truly memorable book for children who have disabilities and want to believe in themselves. It makes me really want the teachers that Patricia Polacco had when she was small because they were all truly inspiring teachers! I would recommend this book to children ages five and up due to length of the book being a bit too long for children.
Beautiful, simply beautiful! I have read many books that depicts Patricia Polacco's troublesome childhood when she was coping with dyslexia, but never have I read a book that truly showed the power of true friendship in such a hopeful light! Patricia Polacco has done a magnificent job at both writing and illustrating this book about a group of kids who each have a disability and how they learned to believe in themselves through an inspiring teacher. Patricia Polacco's writing is dramatic and heartwarming at the same and I truly felt sad for Trisha and her friends as they were teased at school because of their disabilities, but I loved the way that Trisha and her new friends stick together through all the hard times they had at school and I also loved the way that Trisha and her new friends spend so much time with each other after they met which proves how close they are to each other. What I truly loved about this book was the teacher, Mrs. Peterson and it was so inspiring about how she helped the children with disabilities believe in themselves and see that they are special in a good way. I also loved her definition of a genius as it defined that everyone in that classroom are all geniuses and it does not single anyone out. I also loved the fact about how Mrs. Peterson showed the class about making new objects out of something old in the junkyard and it was truly special in how they built an airplane together since it showed how everyone came together to make something that represented the whole class. Patricia Polacco's illustrations are truly beautiful and heartwarming at the same time and I loved the illustrations of Patricia Polacco as a child as she always wears pigtails and a dress and has a hopeful expression on her face. My favorite image was of Mrs. Peterson coming into her class and you can see all the children including Trisha staring up at Mrs. Peterson thinking that she was intimidating, however I really loved the appearance of Mrs. Peterson as she does have an appearance of a strict teacher as she wears a gray dress, wears glasses and has her hair in a bun, but she has such a kind face and wisdom beyond her years that I immediately fell in love with her!
All in all, “The Junkyard Wonders” is a truly memorable book for children who have disabilities and want to believe in themselves. It makes me really want the teachers that Patricia Polacco had when she was small because they were all truly inspiring teachers! I would recommend this book to children ages five and up due to length of the book being a bit too long for children.
October 19, 2012
This story picks up some time after Thank You, Mr. Falker. After Mr. Falker helps her learn to read, the young girl in the story chooses to live with her father and go to a different school, hoping to be put in a regular class. Instead, she finds herself in a special ed class again, but, luckily, with a very special teacher, Mrs. Peterson. Mrs. Peterson teaches the class how to see themselves as just as smart as the other children, as able to accomplish great things just like anyone else. I wish she had made some kind of protest about people referring to her class as "the junkyard," but, given the times, I guess that just wasn't done. The ending is bittersweet, but also filled with the hope that the entire school would learn something from the accomplishments of "the junkyard wonders." Recommended!
September 18, 2014
Thank God Patricia Polacco came along and normalized dyslexia, divorce, and individual differences. It's hard to say who loves her more. . . my six-year-old or me.
February 9, 2020
When Trisha convinces her parents that she should spend the school-year in Michigan, with her father and grandmother, rather than with her mother in California, she is motivated by a desire to escape from the stigma of having been a late-comer to reading. But her placement in Mrs. Peterson's class - known as the "junkyard," because all of the students have some kind of disability or problem - would seem to indicate that she hadn't escaped "special education," and the ridicule it sometimes invites, after all. It takes an extraordinary teacher, and some wonderful classmate and friends - her "tribe" - to show Trisha that she isn't a piece of "junk" at all, but a genius full of potential. A true wonder...
In the same vein as Thank You, Mr. Falker , in which Polacco pays tribute to the (California) elementary-school teacher who first helped her to read, or Mr. Lincoln's Way , in which she tells the true tale of a wise principle who helped a disturbed young boy onto a better path, this lovely autobiographical picture-book - the author's latest - is a pean to the transformative power of a truly remarkable educator. I found the story inspiring, one of the later developments quite moving (yes, I was tearing up - again!), and the illustrations quite appealing. It's funny, but although I probably wouldn't be a fan of Polacco's art, on its own - not that there's anything wrong with it, it just isn't really my "style" - when it is combined with her stories, it just feel right! All in all, a wonderful addition of Polacco's already large body of excellent picture-books!
In the same vein as Thank You, Mr. Falker , in which Polacco pays tribute to the (California) elementary-school teacher who first helped her to read, or Mr. Lincoln's Way , in which she tells the true tale of a wise principle who helped a disturbed young boy onto a better path, this lovely autobiographical picture-book - the author's latest - is a pean to the transformative power of a truly remarkable educator. I found the story inspiring, one of the later developments quite moving (yes, I was tearing up - again!), and the illustrations quite appealing. It's funny, but although I probably wouldn't be a fan of Polacco's art, on its own - not that there's anything wrong with it, it just isn't really my "style" - when it is combined with her stories, it just feel right! All in all, a wonderful addition of Polacco's already large body of excellent picture-books!
June 28, 2019
What an outstanding autobiographical book. The story covers one school year in the life of Trisha. She asks her father if she can live with him and Gramma, instead of living with her mother in California. Trisha hopes that she will be placed in regular classes. To her dismay, she is placed in a special education class known as The Junkyard. But this class has a special teacher, Mrs. Peterson. She is open, kind, encouraging and uplifting. She starts her class by defining the word 'genius.' She tells the children that they are geniuses. When the students are bullied because they're different, she tells them what a junkyard is all about:
"Oh, it's a place full of wondrous possibilities! What some see as bent and broken throwaways are actually amazing things waiting to be made into something new. Something unexpected. Something surprising."
Mrs. Peterson see the potential in each of her students. She handles the death of one of her students with compassion and tears. Mrs. Peterson encourages her students to reach for the stars in both their education and life experiences.
Trisha grows very close to her new friends Thom, Gibbie, Jody and Ravanne. All have special talents that help them rebuild a model plane called the Junkyard Wonder. When they decide to fly the plane over the school science fair, the whole class refers to itself as The Junkyard Wonders. The last page of the book relates what each friend of the group grew up to become in their adult lives.
Patricia Polacco is a marvelous storyteller. Her story comes alive and the characters are like well-known friends. The illustrations are vivid and individuals' expressions stand out. The pictures compliment the text wonderfully. Polacco has become one of my favorite children's authors. I highly recommend this book for students seven years old and up.
"Oh, it's a place full of wondrous possibilities! What some see as bent and broken throwaways are actually amazing things waiting to be made into something new. Something unexpected. Something surprising."
Mrs. Peterson see the potential in each of her students. She handles the death of one of her students with compassion and tears. Mrs. Peterson encourages her students to reach for the stars in both their education and life experiences.
Trisha grows very close to her new friends Thom, Gibbie, Jody and Ravanne. All have special talents that help them rebuild a model plane called the Junkyard Wonder. When they decide to fly the plane over the school science fair, the whole class refers to itself as The Junkyard Wonders. The last page of the book relates what each friend of the group grew up to become in their adult lives.
Patricia Polacco is a marvelous storyteller. Her story comes alive and the characters are like well-known friends. The illustrations are vivid and individuals' expressions stand out. The pictures compliment the text wonderfully. Polacco has become one of my favorite children's authors. I highly recommend this book for students seven years old and up.
September 23, 2010
I love this book! I enjoy reading uplifting stories based on true events. I like Polacco’s use of light humor in a serious topic. Being different doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It can be quite a wonderful thing. Bravo to Mrs. Peterson for helping the children to see their full potential! I can only hope that my child has an experience with at least one teacher like this. This book made me remember my absolute favorite teacher Mrs. Nimitz. She was my 7th and 8th grade teacher. I was behind in reading and US history when I moved from Hawaii to Illinois. I finished as Salutatorian my 8th grade year. Thank you Mrs. Nimitz! I found myself with tears in my eyes as I read where the children from The Junkyard were today. Awesome! I can see reading this book with my daughter someday and having great discussions about it. I believe it is a wonderful learning tool for children.
June 2, 2011
I absolutely loved this book! It touched me deeply. I will be back to write a more detailed review when I feel more coherent.
March 8, 2011
Trisha is thrilled when she is allowed to stay with her father in Michigan to go to school this year - here nobody knows that she only just started reading or that she used to be in a classes for "special" children. But her excitement is dulled when she learns that she has been placed in Mrs. Peterson's class, a class that is known as the Junkyard. Yet while others may think the students in Mrs. Peterson's class are all weird or stupid, those lucky enough to be a part of the Junkyard know otherwise: they are all unique and special and extremely bright. Thanks to the guidance and love of Mrs. Peterson, these children blossom while forming friendships that will last a lifetime. And when they lose one of their fellow Junkyard Wonders, the class comes together to create a tribute to him that they will never forget.
What a beautiful book! The story is touching and told in a very effective and simple way. In just a few words and deceptively simple illustrations, the bonds between the characters and their emotions and thoughts come through as clearly as if I had been there myself. The characters in the book are amazing, especially the exceptional Mrs. Peterson, who is the sort of inspiring teacher that every child should have. And the narrator's voice is a strong one, which is not surprising given that the story is one taken directly from Patricia Polacco's own life. It is a wonderful book about the struggles a child goes through when he is considered "different" and, most importantly, it is a book about friendship.
What a beautiful book! The story is touching and told in a very effective and simple way. In just a few words and deceptively simple illustrations, the bonds between the characters and their emotions and thoughts come through as clearly as if I had been there myself. The characters in the book are amazing, especially the exceptional Mrs. Peterson, who is the sort of inspiring teacher that every child should have. And the narrator's voice is a strong one, which is not surprising given that the story is one taken directly from Patricia Polacco's own life. It is a wonderful book about the struggles a child goes through when he is considered "different" and, most importantly, it is a book about friendship.
February 16, 2018
We really loved this book. Patricia Polacco has done it again, with another thoughtful, tear-jerking story that reveals a little more about her childhood. The way that one teacher can really make a group of children shine is so inspiring - I hope that one day I can make a child feel as special, as creative, as part of something as she did.
I love how the teacher embraced the moniker of "The Junkyard" and showed the children how wonderful a junkyard can be. I love that she turned the "rejects" into wonders and proved that children who learn differently or who have medical problems aren't simply deficient or worthless. This is such a heartfelt and true story and we really, really enjoyed reading it together.
This book was featured as one of the selections for the June 2011: Persons Facing Physical Challenges discussion and the September 2010: Back-to-School reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books group here at Goodreads. I'm so glad that we had the opportunity to read this book!
I love how the teacher embraced the moniker of "The Junkyard" and showed the children how wonderful a junkyard can be. I love that she turned the "rejects" into wonders and proved that children who learn differently or who have medical problems aren't simply deficient or worthless. This is such a heartfelt and true story and we really, really enjoyed reading it together.
This book was featured as one of the selections for the June 2011: Persons Facing Physical Challenges discussion and the September 2010: Back-to-School reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books group here at Goodreads. I'm so glad that we had the opportunity to read this book!
January 11, 2012
At her old school, Trisha was known for her struggles with reading, so she is disappointed to learn that she has been placed in the "junkyard" class at her new school. Trisha's disappointment lessens as she begins to make friends with the unique students in her class. Fortunately, for Trisha, Mrs. Peterson is an incredible teacher who shows her students that they are not "junk" but brilliant wonders.
Several events take place in this book to offer hope, inspiration, and encouragement to students who are special.
Several events take place in this book to offer hope, inspiration, and encouragement to students who are special.
December 27, 2012
Wow. I will read more of Patricia Polacco's books. My family loved this book together, it made us cry with empathy and hope for all young minds. This was a beautifully written memoir type picture book, but for older kids. The illustrations are fantastic and the story lends itself well to open discussions with our 7 year old about how to treat people, how to see the beauty of differences within people, and the joy of learning.
September 29, 2019
I was appalled when the teacher called her classroom the 'junkyard,' even after some explanation that still seems hurtful.
Polacco usually includes an afterward which adds meaning to the story.
I'd like to hear what kids have to say about this story.
Like some of the other Polacco stories, this targets an older audience than do most picture books.
Polacco usually includes an afterward which adds meaning to the story.
I'd like to hear what kids have to say about this story.
Like some of the other Polacco stories, this targets an older audience than do most picture books.
September 14, 2010
Oh, I really loved this one! A story about kids with the stigma of special needs, and how the teacher believed in them and inspired them to be all that they could be. The story was both compelling and uplifting.
August 3, 2020
I listened to an audio of this book and it was very inspiring. It is about a class of so-called misfits and their hidden genius inside each of them.
March 2, 2016
Suggested Grade Levels: 4th-8th grade
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Themes: Self-Discovery, Growing-Up, Understanding Death, Understanding Disabilities
Awards: Triple Crown Award Nominee and Rhode Island--Children’s Book Award Nominee
The beloved Patricia Polacco has done it again; changed readers’ perspectives through a picture book. The “Junkyard Wonders” is a story about a young girl who decides to live with her dad in Michigan rather than her mother so she can start in a new school where no one will know her as a “special” student. Her bubble dream to fit in and be “normal” bursts when she learns she is in “The Junkyard” classroom at her new school, the classroom that all the “different” kids attend who are “junk.” Things begin to change when she meets her teacher, Mrs. Peterson. By the end of the day Mrs. Peterson has the students memorizing the definition of genius because that is what Mrs. Peterson tells them they all are. Friendships blossom and the classroom turns into a family. The reality of their classmate’s illness shocks them all when he passes away. The Junkyard family comes together to find a special way to remember their dear friend. This book has so many lessons wrapped into one story. It will take several reads to find comfort in understanding the lessons to be learned.
The illustrations are embedded with emotion. As a reader you will find yourself feeling joy, frustration and sorrow right along with the characters through the intricate illustrations. The students in this book are dealing with many different emotions from growing up, acceptance, death and friendships. The reader sees each individual’s emotions through detailed facial expressions, but what is more impressive are the details in the background. For example, on one page where Junkyard Wonders are being taunted because of their special badges, the reader can see the crowds of children in the background yelling and laughing, giving the feeling of how widely unaccepted the Junkyard Wonders were at their school. The reader can’t leave the page without feeling a level of discomfort with the teasing and taunting.
This book would be an excellent book to use with intermediate students to give perspectives on acceptance. The children in the book are teased and bullied because they are in a special education classroom. The illustrations and vivid word choice truly give the reader the taste of how it feels to be in the children’s shoes. Teachers could use this book to open the classroom up to conversations about bullies and bystanders. Also the teacher, Mrs. Peterson, plays a vital role in the children’s perceptions of themselves. Students could study Mrs. Peterson and do a character analysis of her and explain the intents of her various actions in the story. Be sure to read the author’s note at the end of the book to find out just how precious the “Junkyard” students turned out to be. This book is a must read for any intermediate classroom.
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Themes: Self-Discovery, Growing-Up, Understanding Death, Understanding Disabilities
Awards: Triple Crown Award Nominee and Rhode Island--Children’s Book Award Nominee
The beloved Patricia Polacco has done it again; changed readers’ perspectives through a picture book. The “Junkyard Wonders” is a story about a young girl who decides to live with her dad in Michigan rather than her mother so she can start in a new school where no one will know her as a “special” student. Her bubble dream to fit in and be “normal” bursts when she learns she is in “The Junkyard” classroom at her new school, the classroom that all the “different” kids attend who are “junk.” Things begin to change when she meets her teacher, Mrs. Peterson. By the end of the day Mrs. Peterson has the students memorizing the definition of genius because that is what Mrs. Peterson tells them they all are. Friendships blossom and the classroom turns into a family. The reality of their classmate’s illness shocks them all when he passes away. The Junkyard family comes together to find a special way to remember their dear friend. This book has so many lessons wrapped into one story. It will take several reads to find comfort in understanding the lessons to be learned.
The illustrations are embedded with emotion. As a reader you will find yourself feeling joy, frustration and sorrow right along with the characters through the intricate illustrations. The students in this book are dealing with many different emotions from growing up, acceptance, death and friendships. The reader sees each individual’s emotions through detailed facial expressions, but what is more impressive are the details in the background. For example, on one page where Junkyard Wonders are being taunted because of their special badges, the reader can see the crowds of children in the background yelling and laughing, giving the feeling of how widely unaccepted the Junkyard Wonders were at their school. The reader can’t leave the page without feeling a level of discomfort with the teasing and taunting.
This book would be an excellent book to use with intermediate students to give perspectives on acceptance. The children in the book are teased and bullied because they are in a special education classroom. The illustrations and vivid word choice truly give the reader the taste of how it feels to be in the children’s shoes. Teachers could use this book to open the classroom up to conversations about bullies and bystanders. Also the teacher, Mrs. Peterson, plays a vital role in the children’s perceptions of themselves. Students could study Mrs. Peterson and do a character analysis of her and explain the intents of her various actions in the story. Be sure to read the author’s note at the end of the book to find out just how precious the “Junkyard” students turned out to be. This book is a must read for any intermediate classroom.
September 16, 2010
After reading this book and a few of the reviews that are here on GR I'm definitely going to look into some more of Patricia Polacco's book.
When Julia and I started this I had no idea where it was going. Although I found out fairly quickly I was still surprised at her execution. Julia, at 5, "got" a lot more than I thought she would.
I like how this deals with so many things within something bigger. The main character, Trisha, starts school only to find out the few friends she had weren't speaking to her any longer. Then she finds that she's in advanced classes. With a bunch of kids that the others definitely do not consider normal. (Sound realistic anyone?) While I was never in any advanced classes (although Julia may be if she stays on the same track she's on) it's still highly relatable.
The definition of the word genius was a bit much for Julia so I shortened it so she could grasp it.
I also like that (and this is something I noticed quietly but Julia pointed out to me) that Trisha lives with her Father and Grandmother (another very relatable aspect for many, many children today - including Julia).
Mrs. Peterson's way of teaching is beautiful and this is a great way to show kids that they'll (hopefully) meet some wonderful teachers along their way through school.
The confronttation with Barton? Awesome - something everyone can relate to, even the Barton's of the world. There was just so, so much included. Jody's character and what happened to him is something I faltered with for a few minutes. I was scared Julia wouldn't really know how to handle it since she's has minimal experience with death as of yet. I had nothing to worry about - she asked some questions and we talked. I was a little surprised I guess, I wasn't aware something of that magnitude would happen in the story. What happens with the principal at the end of the book is another aspect I liked - everyone deals with disappointment - even teachers. And they try to find a way through the problem - like the characters here did.
Probably my favorite thing about the book is that the end wasn't mushy with the Barton-like kids finally seeing the light and accepting the smarties. That's not the way it works in real life and it would have hurt the story immensely for me.
When Julia and I started this I had no idea where it was going. Although I found out fairly quickly I was still surprised at her execution. Julia, at 5, "got" a lot more than I thought she would.
I like how this deals with so many things within something bigger. The main character, Trisha, starts school only to find out the few friends she had weren't speaking to her any longer. Then she finds that she's in advanced classes. With a bunch of kids that the others definitely do not consider normal. (Sound realistic anyone?) While I was never in any advanced classes (although Julia may be if she stays on the same track she's on) it's still highly relatable.
The definition of the word genius was a bit much for Julia so I shortened it so she could grasp it.
I also like that (and this is something I noticed quietly but Julia pointed out to me) that Trisha lives with her Father and Grandmother (another very relatable aspect for many, many children today - including Julia).
Mrs. Peterson's way of teaching is beautiful and this is a great way to show kids that they'll (hopefully) meet some wonderful teachers along their way through school.
The confronttation with Barton? Awesome - something everyone can relate to, even the Barton's of the world. There was just so, so much included. Jody's character and what happened to him is something I faltered with for a few minutes. I was scared Julia wouldn't really know how to handle it since she's has minimal experience with death as of yet. I had nothing to worry about - she asked some questions and we talked. I was a little surprised I guess, I wasn't aware something of that magnitude would happen in the story. What happens with the principal at the end of the book is another aspect I liked - everyone deals with disappointment - even teachers. And they try to find a way through the problem - like the characters here did.
Probably my favorite thing about the book is that the end wasn't mushy with the Barton-like kids finally seeing the light and accepting the smarties. That's not the way it works in real life and it would have hurt the story immensely for me.
January 30, 2014
I recently read this book and thought it was just fantastic. Patricia Polacco tells the story of a girl who decides to stay in Michigan for the school year with her dad and grandma. She is placed into a special class called the "Junkyard." She struggles at first to deal with the fact that she is in yet another "different" class. However, the friendships she made and her teacher, Mrs. Peterson make this experience one of the most incredible.
This complex picture book can be implemented in the classroom in so many ways. One of the themes is the power of friendship. Her friends Jodi, Thom, Gibbie and Ravenne are placed in a tribe and work together on projects. They form such a bond that shows students how important it is to have the type of friends who will always look out for you. Each of her friends has something that makes them different. These differences is also what makes them so special. Gibbie's love of building helps the group find a beautiful model airplane to re-create. Jodi's disease helps protect the group from bullies at recess. It is important that students see that everyone is different in one way or another, and we need to embrace this.
The definition of a "Junkyard" is also extremely significant. Mrs. Peterson explains it a place full of wondrous possibilities. Where one persons trash is another's treasure. She asks the class to find objects and look at them for not what they are, but for what they can be. When reading this book with students, I feel it is essential to truly think about this and relate it to personal experiences.
This book also sends the message to never give up. Though the airplane needed a lot of work, the group's determination to make it fly and "go to the moon" made everything work.
Overall, this is an amazing book that sends so many wonderful messages to students. I would definitely recommend it to anyone!
This complex picture book can be implemented in the classroom in so many ways. One of the themes is the power of friendship. Her friends Jodi, Thom, Gibbie and Ravenne are placed in a tribe and work together on projects. They form such a bond that shows students how important it is to have the type of friends who will always look out for you. Each of her friends has something that makes them different. These differences is also what makes them so special. Gibbie's love of building helps the group find a beautiful model airplane to re-create. Jodi's disease helps protect the group from bullies at recess. It is important that students see that everyone is different in one way or another, and we need to embrace this.
The definition of a "Junkyard" is also extremely significant. Mrs. Peterson explains it a place full of wondrous possibilities. Where one persons trash is another's treasure. She asks the class to find objects and look at them for not what they are, but for what they can be. When reading this book with students, I feel it is essential to truly think about this and relate it to personal experiences.
This book also sends the message to never give up. Though the airplane needed a lot of work, the group's determination to make it fly and "go to the moon" made everything work.
Overall, this is an amazing book that sends so many wonderful messages to students. I would definitely recommend it to anyone!
January 13, 2014
Patricia Polacco, author of The Junkyard Wonders, writes about a young girl named Trisha who is ashamed of her special education class. She begs her parents to let her move schools for a fresh start at a new school where no one knows “she used to be dumb,” but much to her dismay, she is placed in another special class, referred to as the “Junkyard,” in her new school. The class got its name because all the students are “odd, like stuff in a junkyard.” However, Trisha comes to appreciate her class as she finds out how special her classmates really are. They all have unique talents and abilities that their teacher Mrs. Peterson encourages them to see for themselves. Mrs. Peterson shows them how wonderful they truly are even when bullies bring them down. The class grows together, and even through trials and losses never ceases to be anything less than Junkyard Wonders, students who forgot what they weren’t, and imagined what they could be. Mrs. Peterson taught them to believe in themselves when no one else would. Because of her support, these students were able to overcome their hardships and recognize their inner genius.
I would use this book as a read aloud to my fourth or fifth graders to teach about the inner genius in all of my students. Not only does this book expose students to challenges some of their classmates may face, but it demonstrates what a gift these students are and all the wonderful things they bring to the classroom and to their fellow students. I would love to include a discussion about how the author wrote this book based on events from her own life and experience, and how she overcame adversity. I hope this would inspire my students to be loving and accepting, while understanding that everyone has unique gifts and an inner genius that others can learn from. Overall I LOVED this book and its powerful message.
I would use this book as a read aloud to my fourth or fifth graders to teach about the inner genius in all of my students. Not only does this book expose students to challenges some of their classmates may face, but it demonstrates what a gift these students are and all the wonderful things they bring to the classroom and to their fellow students. I would love to include a discussion about how the author wrote this book based on events from her own life and experience, and how she overcame adversity. I hope this would inspire my students to be loving and accepting, while understanding that everyone has unique gifts and an inner genius that others can learn from. Overall I LOVED this book and its powerful message.
March 20, 2016
'The Junkyard Wonders' by Patricia Polacco is a book based on an event that happened in Polacco's childhood. The story is about a girl named Tricia who moves to a new school, hoping to be seen as 'normal'. However, she is put in the special class again- called 'The Junkyard'. The story follows Tricia and her class as they each use their unique talents to help each other. Their motivating teacher, Mrs. Peterson, inspires them to be themselves. The colorful pictures combined with the well-written words bring this book to life.
I would use this book in my classroom to teach my students about acceptance and bullying. It would be a great read for students who may have a learning disability, since the main character of the book has dyslexia. I also think it would be beneficial for your whole class to hear- those that may be bullied or those that may bully other students. I think this book would be helpful in cultivating a friendly and family-like classroom community. I would read this to students in upper-elementary school, because it deals with some heavier topics like the death of a classmate.
This was a WOW book for me because of how it uplifts children who are different. Even though the class is called the 'Junkyard' the students learn how their differences make them special and unique. I think the book does a great job of recognizing differences and gives students a window into how students in special education classes may feel. I would highly recommend this book!
I would use this book in my classroom to teach my students about acceptance and bullying. It would be a great read for students who may have a learning disability, since the main character of the book has dyslexia. I also think it would be beneficial for your whole class to hear- those that may be bullied or those that may bully other students. I think this book would be helpful in cultivating a friendly and family-like classroom community. I would read this to students in upper-elementary school, because it deals with some heavier topics like the death of a classmate.
This was a WOW book for me because of how it uplifts children who are different. Even though the class is called the 'Junkyard' the students learn how their differences make them special and unique. I think the book does a great job of recognizing differences and gives students a window into how students in special education classes may feel. I would highly recommend this book!
April 13, 2017
The Junkyard Wonders is a sweet tale about a group of kids who are tossed aside by society. They are nicknamed "The Junkyard Kids". They are bullied by the "normal" kids and seen as less.
Written in first person, each character is described in detail, first beginning with what makes them "special" but then what makes them superb! Together, along with an amazing teacher, who sees their potential, they rise together to become and do something great. Written within the pages is great parental support.
The characters come alive with colorful illustrations and show their mannerisms in a fun, pleasant way. I loved these kids and the talents that each had. There is a bit of sadness that happens about the middle of the book but that sadness fuels the children to continue on.
My favorite part of this book is the very last page. It tells what happens to each of these kids and what they go on to do. Oh, didn't I tell you? This book is based on a real live event that the author experienced. Yes, she was one of the kids!
This is well worth reading and should be on book shelves everywhere.
5 stars.
Disclosure: I obtained a copy of this book from my local library. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~M.M. aka Naila Moon
Written in first person, each character is described in detail, first beginning with what makes them "special" but then what makes them superb! Together, along with an amazing teacher, who sees their potential, they rise together to become and do something great. Written within the pages is great parental support.
The characters come alive with colorful illustrations and show their mannerisms in a fun, pleasant way. I loved these kids and the talents that each had. There is a bit of sadness that happens about the middle of the book but that sadness fuels the children to continue on.
My favorite part of this book is the very last page. It tells what happens to each of these kids and what they go on to do. Oh, didn't I tell you? This book is based on a real live event that the author experienced. Yes, she was one of the kids!
This is well worth reading and should be on book shelves everywhere.
5 stars.
Disclosure: I obtained a copy of this book from my local library. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~M.M. aka Naila Moon
April 24, 2017
The Junkyard Wonders was a great realistic fiction book that I would love to read with students in grades 3-5. The story talks about a group of students whose classroom is referred to as "the junkyard." The students realize they are all very different from one another and all have specials characteristics of their own. The students use these differences in a positive way in their class and begin to realize that the differences are positive. This would be a great book to read with students in order to help them learn about appreciating difference among people and having compassion towards others who are different than yourself. This book could be a read aloud before students interview one another and find differences among themselves and their classmates. The students could then write about what a day in the life of a peer that they interviewed would look like. This would help students show compassion towards one another's differences. This book was a WOW book for me because of the emotional story that is told. It was so encouraging to read about the students recognizing their differences and then all using their special talents to create something important and meaningful to their entire class.
November 4, 2011
Patricia Polacco has written beautiful stories for children, some sweet, some melancholy, most encouraging. This book is all of these. When our narrator, a young girl, moves to a new school, she is upset to learn she has been placed in a classroom for special needs kids. A classroom called, by everyone at the school, apparently, "The Junkyard". The brilliant teacher of this class, whose members are called "the Junkyard Wonders", embraces the pejorative, though, and introduces her students to the wonders of a junkyard: Oh, it is a place full of wondrous possibilities! What some see as bent and broken throwaways are actually amazing things waiting to be made into something new. Something unexpected. Something surprising. She takes them to an actual junkyard and tells them to collect things that could be remade into something new with these words: Forget what the object was...imagine what it could be! And little by little, she encourages the Junkyard Wonders to achieve great things. And that they do.
February 16, 2018
Patricia Polacco books are perfect for intermediate/junior high age teachers to share with their students. These books are not a quick five minute read, and not baby books as picture books are sometimes described by the misinformed. Such magical discussions and learning can take place after sharing one of these reads.
This story could be a sequel or a companion book to Thank You, Mr. Falker, although it's not necessary to have read to understand and enjoy this mini biography from Patricia Polacoo's own struggles during childhood.
Having not learned to read until much later in her school career than is normal, Patricia is placed in "special" classes. She had hoped that by living with her father in Michigan her reputation as being a dunce would not follow her from California. It's true that one can't run from their troubles and she was placed in Mrs. Peterson's class of different children, loving referred to as the Junkyard Kids.
This is an extremely touching story about never allowing other's opinions of you to shape who you are and what your potential maybe.
This story could be a sequel or a companion book to Thank You, Mr. Falker, although it's not necessary to have read to understand and enjoy this mini biography from Patricia Polacoo's own struggles during childhood.
Having not learned to read until much later in her school career than is normal, Patricia is placed in "special" classes. She had hoped that by living with her father in Michigan her reputation as being a dunce would not follow her from California. It's true that one can't run from their troubles and she was placed in Mrs. Peterson's class of different children, loving referred to as the Junkyard Kids.
This is an extremely touching story about never allowing other's opinions of you to shape who you are and what your potential maybe.
February 8, 2014
1) Has anyone ever wanted a do over? A day where you could wake up and try again. Student respond. The girl in our story wants exactly that. She was living with her mom in California and now wants to live with her dad and her grandma in Michigan. Why do you think she might want to start all over? Live in a new place, go to a new school, and make new friends.
2) The opening I picked was drawing attention to the setting. The other opening is raising interest in the topic or theme.
3) I picked this book because it shares the difficulties people have when they are different. Not only do they have to struggle with something mentally or physically, they also have to deal with labeling and bullying by others. I loved the last page of the book where it confirms that the main character of the story is author. Children then know the story is not made up but did actually occur.
(2010, July 1). School Library Journal. http://www.booksinprint2.com.leo.lib....#
September 7, 2016
Book Summary: A little girls moves schools for a year and is palced into a "Special Needs" classroom and it is called the Junkyard. The teacher Mrs. Peterson teaches the children that they are all special. She takes them to the Junkyard to find something that can be remade. Her tribe find a model airplane and they decide to fix it up for the science fair. One of the boys die so then getting the plane going was to be for him. At the science fair the plane takes off for the moon and all the children are exstatic!
Grade Level; 3rd-5th
Classroom: Discussing behaviors and understand others
Individual: A child could read this when they are feeling bad about themselves or having a rough day
Small Group: How to treat others
Whole Class: How to treat others and just because we are different isn't a bad thing.
Media: Book Discussion
Other Books: Patricia has a lot of books that are like this. All very good and teach a valuable lesson.
Grade Level; 3rd-5th
Classroom: Discussing behaviors and understand others
Individual: A child could read this when they are feeling bad about themselves or having a rough day
Small Group: How to treat others
Whole Class: How to treat others and just because we are different isn't a bad thing.
Media: Book Discussion
Other Books: Patricia has a lot of books that are like this. All very good and teach a valuable lesson.
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