What do you think?
Rate this book
Gracias, Senor Falker
At first, Trisha loves school, but her difficulty learning to read makes her feel dumb, until, in the fifth grade, a new teacher helps her understand and overcome her problem.
32 pages, Paperback
First published May 4, 1998
91 people are currently reading
4438 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Polacco
95 books1,061 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,404 reviews
November 20, 2009
I sobbed all the way through this book. Literally.
I hope that every teacher and tutor and parent reads this book. Oh, if/when I do any more tutoring I’ll definitely use this book. I wish I’d known about it before now. I had no difficulty learning to read, although I did not learn until I was taught; I wasn’t a reading prodigy, but I’ve known many kids who have had various challenges learning to read.
This is Patricia Polacco’s story about herself as a young girl and how it was (finally in fifth grade) a particularly kind and able teacher who got her the help she needed and helped her learn to read. She writes poignantly about how she’d always been good at art but felt she was stupid because she could not learn to read the way her schoolmates did.
I love Patricia Polacco and I am so grateful that she wrote and illustrated this book. Of her books that I’ve read so far, it’s my favorite.
I hope that every teacher and tutor and parent reads this book. Oh, if/when I do any more tutoring I’ll definitely use this book. I wish I’d known about it before now. I had no difficulty learning to read, although I did not learn until I was taught; I wasn’t a reading prodigy, but I’ve known many kids who have had various challenges learning to read.
This is Patricia Polacco’s story about herself as a young girl and how it was (finally in fifth grade) a particularly kind and able teacher who got her the help she needed and helped her learn to read. She writes poignantly about how she’d always been good at art but felt she was stupid because she could not learn to read the way her schoolmates did.
I love Patricia Polacco and I am so grateful that she wrote and illustrated this book. Of her books that I’ve read so far, it’s my favorite.
September 21, 2020
I am such a huge fan of Patricia Polacco, and this book is one of my favorites! The author has written and illustrated a semi-autobiographical story about her issues in school (academic and social), and although she excelled in art (she illustrates her own books!), one particular teacher recognized her struggles and assisted her to eventually believe in herself. This book is her "thank you" to her school teacher, George Felker (his real name). This was often the first book I would read to my Grade 3 students at the beginning of the school year, and they would have such compassion and sympathy for Trisha and her problems with learning to read and the bullying that ensued. I highly recommend reading this to young children ages 6 and up!
May 13, 2014
Boy, am I on the roll with reading various by none other than Patricia Polacco herself! This time, Patricia Polacco writes an autobiographical book called “Thank you, Mr. Falker” where it details the life of a young girl named Trisha who struggles with learning how to read and how an inspirational teacher named Mr. Falker tries to help her read. “Thank you, Mr. Falker” is certainly one of the most memorable children’s books to be created for children who also have trouble learning how to read.
Oh my goodness! Imagine my surprise when I realized that this book is actually based on Patricia Polacco’s real life problems with learning how to read! It was this aspect of this story that really drew me into this book! I loved the way that Patricia Polacco (Trisha in this book) relates her own experiences to the audience since I felt like this would greatly help children who also have problems with reading and who were teased by this problem, which bullying is a big issue for many schools. What I really loved about this book was the teacher Mr. Falker himself as he was a truly inspirational teacher who tried to do his best to help out Trisha and I believe that with teachers like Mr. Falker who try to help out students with their problems and try to give them confidence in themselves are the best kind to have in any school! Patricia Polacco’s illustrations are just as gorgeous in this book as they were in her other books as the characters look extremely realistic, especially the characters’ facial expressions that convey their emotions. The image that truly stood out the most for me was the image of Trisha crying after the kids started teasing her and Patricia Polacco had effectively illustrated Trisha’s face being slightly red and the way she covers her mouth to hide her sadness made this a truly emotional image.
Overall, “Thank you, Mr. Falker” is truly one of the most inspirational children’s books about children who have problems learning how to read that children will easily relate to. I would recommend this book to children ages five and up since the bullying scenes might too upsetting for smaller children.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
April 22, 2022
"I saw Mr. Falker later again some thirty years later at a wedding. I walked up to him and introduced myself. At first he had difficulty placing me. Then I told him who I was, and how he had changed my life so many years ago." (Last page)
Tears springing in my eyes towards the last page. What a beautiful dedication to your most beloved teacher. I had an English teacher that til today I can remember him fondly. A tall nerdy middle aged white guy he was at that time. He would have us watch cartoons and break down what they really meant or how they were trying to give us a message. I listened and respected that man because he taught me to think for myself. Mr. Gecy never encouraged group thinking. He wanted us to be thoughtful individuals. The best thing he ever said to me was "Question everyone. Your parents, adults, the government, your friends, the media, everyone. Why do they talk the way they do, why do they think the way they do? Then do what is best for your life." That man changed the way I formed my opinions and the way I look at stuff. This is why many people don't like me but I am okay with that. In a world where social media and political agenda tell us what to think and how to behave I definitely stick out.
I'm not ever sure what happened to Mr. Gecy or if he would even remember me. He had skin cancer at that time and would regularly take days off for skin removals. I would just like to say THANK YOU for making me smarter so I can teach my kids to be smarter.
So like humans teachers are not created equal. When you get a teacher like Mr. Falker remember them fondly and forever.
Tears springing in my eyes towards the last page. What a beautiful dedication to your most beloved teacher. I had an English teacher that til today I can remember him fondly. A tall nerdy middle aged white guy he was at that time. He would have us watch cartoons and break down what they really meant or how they were trying to give us a message. I listened and respected that man because he taught me to think for myself. Mr. Gecy never encouraged group thinking. He wanted us to be thoughtful individuals. The best thing he ever said to me was "Question everyone. Your parents, adults, the government, your friends, the media, everyone. Why do they talk the way they do, why do they think the way they do? Then do what is best for your life." That man changed the way I formed my opinions and the way I look at stuff. This is why many people don't like me but I am okay with that. In a world where social media and political agenda tell us what to think and how to behave I definitely stick out.
I'm not ever sure what happened to Mr. Gecy or if he would even remember me. He had skin cancer at that time and would regularly take days off for skin removals. I would just like to say THANK YOU for making me smarter so I can teach my kids to be smarter.
So like humans teachers are not created equal. When you get a teacher like Mr. Falker remember them fondly and forever.
October 12, 2010
This is a beautiful, inspiring, touching and sweet-as-honey story about Tricia (young Patricia Polacco herself!) and her struggles with dyslexia in the 1950s/60s before it was a widely recognized condition. Highly recommended!
***SPOILERS***
Tricia is so eager to learn to read, her fabulous and wise grandparents show her how sweet and special reading--and the knowledge gained from books--can be. But when she struggles and struggles at school and can't make headway, she begins to despair, to be teased, and to believe that she is dumb. So, so sad!!! Fortunately, her family moves to California and the remarkably kind and observant Mr. Falker becomes her teacher. With his guidance, Tricia learns that she is NOT stupid--and has, in fact, been remarkably brave and smart, in her own way, to make it through school and fool so many teachers to pass grades without knowing how to read. Mr. Falker changed Tricia's life and opened the world of reading to her, and she became so enchanted with words and stories that she ended up writing them for children. This book is dedicated to the real-life Mr. Falker with her abundant thanks. Go read this book--it will make you feel so grateful, in more ways than one, that you can read! And it will make you wish you could thank the teacher(s) who made a difference in your life. A beautiful, beautiful book!
***SPOILERS***
Tricia is so eager to learn to read, her fabulous and wise grandparents show her how sweet and special reading--and the knowledge gained from books--can be. But when she struggles and struggles at school and can't make headway, she begins to despair, to be teased, and to believe that she is dumb. So, so sad!!! Fortunately, her family moves to California and the remarkably kind and observant Mr. Falker becomes her teacher. With his guidance, Tricia learns that she is NOT stupid--and has, in fact, been remarkably brave and smart, in her own way, to make it through school and fool so many teachers to pass grades without knowing how to read. Mr. Falker changed Tricia's life and opened the world of reading to her, and she became so enchanted with words and stories that she ended up writing them for children. This book is dedicated to the real-life Mr. Falker with her abundant thanks. Go read this book--it will make you feel so grateful, in more ways than one, that you can read! And it will make you wish you could thank the teacher(s) who made a difference in your life. A beautiful, beautiful book!
July 14, 2022
I wish I would have discovered this book as a child, but I think adults can appreciate this story just as much. Even though I read this later in life, this has now become one of my favorite children's picture books. I love the illustrations and the message is wonderful! Many students struggle with reading and may have disabilities that others can't recognize. It takes a special teacher with kindness and compassion to notice and take these children under their wing. That's precisely what happens here. This book shows how important one adult can make in a child's life and how important teachers truly are. I highly recommend this book for anyone struggling with reading, a disability, bullies, or any adult or teacher that you want to show appreciation towards.
May 2, 2013
I discovered this book just today and cried like a baby on the last couple of pages. I was lucky; reading came early and easy to me, but this child's struggle to read could be applied to any struggle and most readers will quickly identify and relate. The illustrations of the anguish of this child and the tribute to the teacher who finally identified the dyslexia are heart-breaking and heart-warming at the same time. A must-read for every human.
December 11, 2012
This book is so beautiful I don't feel the slightest bit silly sitting here with tears running down my face at the public library.
November 28, 2013
Beautiful children's book. Wonderful illustrations. I choked up every time I read it to my first graders. No matter how many times I read it.
Thank You, Mr. Falker is autobiographical. It's the true story of how this award-winning author-illustrator learned to read. The book is a tribute to Mr. Falker, her teacher -- the one who FINALLY took the time to help a persecuted little Patricia overcome her dyslexia (or whatever it was that caused such tremendous reading difficulties).
The book is also a tribute to Patricia's grandfather, who encouraged her to be just like a bee, and chase after knowledge through the pages of a book.
Sniff. I cry. I seriously do. The kids were sooo mean to Patricia, because she couldn't read. Heartless little horrors.
I struggled with reading, too.
Some holiday books by this children's author: Christmas Tapestry and Rechenka's Eggs
Thank You, Mr. Falker is autobiographical. It's the true story of how this award-winning author-illustrator learned to read. The book is a tribute to Mr. Falker, her teacher -- the one who FINALLY took the time to help a persecuted little Patricia overcome her dyslexia (or whatever it was that caused such tremendous reading difficulties).
The book is also a tribute to Patricia's grandfather, who encouraged her to be just like a bee, and chase after knowledge through the pages of a book.
Sniff. I cry. I seriously do. The kids were sooo mean to Patricia, because she couldn't read. Heartless little horrors.
I struggled with reading, too.
Some holiday books by this children's author: Christmas Tapestry and Rechenka's Eggs
November 12, 2010
This was an amazing story and earns a rare 5 star rating from me. It is a true story and depicts the alienation, fear, bullying and shame that children with learning disorders experience. Poor Trisha lived through a torturous five years of Elementary school before finding a teacher who knew how to help her overcome her disabilities and "unlocked the door and pulled [her] into the light."
I've read a few of her stories and really liked them, but this one was amazing! And the fact that it was autobiographical made it all the more special. The illustrations are so expressive; only one who has experienced such emotions could render them so faithfully. We read this story together and I was so choked up by the end, I couldn't even finish it - our oldest read the last few sentences to us. Our girls really liked the story too; our oldest said that her Second grade teacher had read her this story and was choked up at the end, too!
notable quotes - I love the quote from her Grandfather, as he pours honey on the book and introduces Trisha into the world of reading:
"The honey is sweet, and so is knowledge, but knowledge is like the bee that made that sweet honey, you have to chase it through the pages of a book!"
I've read a few of her stories and really liked them, but this one was amazing! And the fact that it was autobiographical made it all the more special. The illustrations are so expressive; only one who has experienced such emotions could render them so faithfully. We read this story together and I was so choked up by the end, I couldn't even finish it - our oldest read the last few sentences to us. Our girls really liked the story too; our oldest said that her Second grade teacher had read her this story and was choked up at the end, too!
notable quotes - I love the quote from her Grandfather, as he pours honey on the book and introduces Trisha into the world of reading:
"The honey is sweet, and so is knowledge, but knowledge is like the bee that made that sweet honey, you have to chase it through the pages of a book!"
November 30, 2023
A charming story about a special teacher who opened the door of reading to this author. I see why this is her most popular book. Until we can read, most other doors are closed to us, but once that magical door is opened ... ah! Well, just look what she has gone on to do.
Yes, I echo, her gratitude, "Thank you, Mr. Falker, for giving the gift of reading to Patricia so that the rest of us would be able to enjoy her books!"
And thank you to all teachers out there who open the door of reading to so many! God bless you!
Yes, I echo, her gratitude, "Thank you, Mr. Falker, for giving the gift of reading to Patricia so that the rest of us would be able to enjoy her books!"
And thank you to all teachers out there who open the door of reading to so many! God bless you!
September 12, 2021
Patricia Polacco's autobiographical picture book tells the story of how she, a dyslexic, finally learned to read at the age of ten with the help of a perceptive young teacher.
Trisha is bullied at school and called "Dumb" because, although a gifted artist, she cannot read or do math - numbers and letters are a jumble to her. She, understandably, hates school. In fifth grade Mr. Falker becomes her teacher and things change. He insists that all students are treated with respect, and he strives to understand each one in turn. Trisha responds to both his caring and his unconventional methods and finally conquers reading and her own feelings of unworthiness.
Trisha's story is bookended with the remembrances of loving grandparents which bouyed her through those rough years of early schooling.
Sharp and clear picture of the misery imposed on a neurodivergent child. The emotion is authentic, rather than sentimental- and of course we know that Patricia grew up to be a reknowned author and illustrator of children's literature. The sequel is The Junkyard Wonders and it is also very good.
Trisha is bullied at school and called "Dumb" because, although a gifted artist, she cannot read or do math - numbers and letters are a jumble to her. She, understandably, hates school. In fifth grade Mr. Falker becomes her teacher and things change. He insists that all students are treated with respect, and he strives to understand each one in turn. Trisha responds to both his caring and his unconventional methods and finally conquers reading and her own feelings of unworthiness.
Trisha's story is bookended with the remembrances of loving grandparents which bouyed her through those rough years of early schooling.
Sharp and clear picture of the misery imposed on a neurodivergent child. The emotion is authentic, rather than sentimental- and of course we know that Patricia grew up to be a reknowned author and illustrator of children's literature. The sequel is The Junkyard Wonders and it is also very good.
October 6, 2008
I had heard about the "honey on a book" part of this story before reading it, and the librarian in me thought, "No! Don't encourage people to put sticky honey on a book! Enough sticky things get on books without a cute story to encourage it." But at least the story makes it clear that they are putting honey on their own book and not a library book! :)
That said, I really loved this book. It's a wonderful tribute to teachers and the impact they can have on the lives of their students. It's even more meaningful knowing that it is based on Patricia Polacco's own experience in school. Do you have a teacher who affected your life? Write them a letter or give them a call! Or, even better, write a book about your experience!
That said, I really loved this book. It's a wonderful tribute to teachers and the impact they can have on the lives of their students. It's even more meaningful knowing that it is based on Patricia Polacco's own experience in school. Do you have a teacher who affected your life? Write them a letter or give them a call! Or, even better, write a book about your experience!
February 23, 2011
I watched and listened to this story on storyline online, a website where children's books are read by actors. Having read this book previously and loved it, I was curious to see if I would enjoy the audio/visual version. It held up pretty nicely. The pacing was even and not too slow, it was read with expression and the captions would be helpful for beginning readers. It was about 16 minutes long and showed the illustrations from most of the pages. I saved the website's address to use for the future - the selection isn't too large, but the quality is nice.
January 24, 2013
We all want to be "that" teacher, the one who makes a difference in a child's life by supporting them through learning. We all want to be a Mr. Falker.
Trisha never learned to read, and now that she is in fifth-grade, it has become a bigger problem than ever. When new teacher, Mr. Falker, takes over her class, he uncovers her secret and helps her overcome her challenge to become a reader.
This story is a reminder that children fall through the cracks without the dedication of good, perceptive teachers who are willing to put in the effort to help their students succeed.
Trisha never learned to read, and now that she is in fifth-grade, it has become a bigger problem than ever. When new teacher, Mr. Falker, takes over her class, he uncovers her secret and helps her overcome her challenge to become a reader.
This story is a reminder that children fall through the cracks without the dedication of good, perceptive teachers who are willing to put in the effort to help their students succeed.
August 20, 2016
Patricia Polacco writes about such meaningful real-life experiences. We all have strengths and challenges. Work hard and never give up!
February 10, 2020
Acclaimed children's author and artist Patricia Polacco draws on her own youthful experience with dyslexia in this autobiographical picture-book, perfectly capturing both the anguish of a young person who wants to learn, and is made to feel stupid because of her disability, and the incredible difference an understanding teacher can make to a struggling student. Taught to revere books, and the stories they contain, young Trisha looks forward to the day when she too learns to read. But when she finally gets the chance, she discovers that the letters move before her eyes, "wiggling" in such a way that she cannot make them out. Soon, she has fallen far behind her peers, and starts to believe their taunting claims that she is dumb. It is only after many years, when fifth-grade teacher Mr. Falker comes into her life, that Trisha finally gets the help she needs...
Polacco has done it again with Thank You, Mr. Falker, creating an incredibly moving book, with visual and textual narratives that complement one another perfectly. The illustrations here really capture Trisha's embarrassment, frustration and shame, drawing the reader into her experience. I found myself choking up while reading this, and given the number of times this happens with Polacco's books, I'm starting to wonder if I should stop reading her books on the commuter train! In any case, this is one that I highly recommend to all young children who have a learning disability, and to the adults and children in their lives. Truly, an outstanding book!
Polacco has done it again with Thank You, Mr. Falker, creating an incredibly moving book, with visual and textual narratives that complement one another perfectly. The illustrations here really capture Trisha's embarrassment, frustration and shame, drawing the reader into her experience. I found myself choking up while reading this, and given the number of times this happens with Polacco's books, I'm starting to wonder if I should stop reading her books on the commuter train! In any case, this is one that I highly recommend to all young children who have a learning disability, and to the adults and children in their lives. Truly, an outstanding book!
February 2, 2022
#cărțipentrucopii
#recomandare
#vârsta 4.6-7 ani
Editura Frontiera
📖 Mulțumesc,domnule profesor! Patricia Polacco
✍ "(Mierea) Dulce precum învățătura...Iar învățătura e ca albina care a făcut mierea. Trebuie să o alergi mult printre paginile cărții până s-o prinzi."
Nici nu știu cu ce să încep la această minunată carte, o carte foarte complexă, deoarece are atât de multe subiecte abordate, de la care putem începe să avem discuții cu copiii.
O carte despre școală, colegi, dislexie, profesori cu har, bullying, bunici.
Trisha, o fată care i se citea și care iubea cărțile, care aștepta cu nerabdare să învețe să citească, ajunge în câțiva ani să urască școala, să se simtă diferită, chiar grea de cap, să fie ținta copiilor, asta până când să îi vine în ajutor domnul profesor Polako, care își dă seama și apelează la ajutorul unui specialist în citire și astfel Trisha ajunge să învețe să citească.
Damian, 6 ani și 1 lună, vă povestește această minunată carte.
https://youtu.be/dlGYuyCRkOc
#recomandare
#vârsta 4.6-7 ani
Editura Frontiera
📖 Mulțumesc,domnule profesor! Patricia Polacco
✍ "(Mierea) Dulce precum învățătura...Iar învățătura e ca albina care a făcut mierea. Trebuie să o alergi mult printre paginile cărții până s-o prinzi."
Nici nu știu cu ce să încep la această minunată carte, o carte foarte complexă, deoarece are atât de multe subiecte abordate, de la care putem începe să avem discuții cu copiii.
O carte despre școală, colegi, dislexie, profesori cu har, bullying, bunici.
Trisha, o fată care i se citea și care iubea cărțile, care aștepta cu nerabdare să învețe să citească, ajunge în câțiva ani să urască școala, să se simtă diferită, chiar grea de cap, să fie ținta copiilor, asta până când să îi vine în ajutor domnul profesor Polako, care își dă seama și apelează la ajutorul unui specialist în citire și astfel Trisha ajunge să învețe să citească.
Damian, 6 ani și 1 lună, vă povestește această minunată carte.
https://youtu.be/dlGYuyCRkOc
March 23, 2018
A delightful biographical book about Patricia, who was a born artist, but felt she was stupid because she had trouble reading. Mr Falker, a sensitive teacher realized he problem and he worked with her until she could read. Now Patricia is the author and illustrator af many beautiful picture books. If you aren't familiar with them, take a look at some of them.
August 16, 2022
should I start logging all the books I read at school
anyways this is a good one
anyways this is a good one
March 30, 2024
I got tears in my eyes the first time I read this to my children. Lovely book.
June 4, 2014
Oh my word.....what a beautiful heart tugging story. This is a must read for "ALL" families, parents, teachers, baby-sitter's...etc. Patricia Polacco truly bares all by writing about herself in the story titled
Thank you, Mr. Falker. The story is about a young girl, Trisha (Patricia Polacco) whom was blessed with the talent for drawing beautiful pictures yet struggled with learning how to read though she desperately wants to, and how her grandparents share with Trisha how sweet reading is as well as the knowledge that one gains from reading. It isn't until Trisha reaches fifth grade and the new teacher...the sweet, gentle, kind Mr. Falker becomes her teacher and changes her life forever. Mr. Falker helps Trisha understand that she doesn't see letters or numbers the way other people do and helps her to overcome her challenges.
Just typing about this moves me to tears. Another inspiring story by Patricia Polacco. Ohhhhh, and the illustrations. From the cover of the book, to Trisha tasting the drizzled honey on the cover of a small book to the last page the pictures drew me in. With the bright colors that bring each photo to life. I loved how each character had their own personal touch and captured each moment. My favorite photo is the one where Trisha and her grandma sharen a special time by laying on the grass together and counting the lights (stars) from heaven.
Thank you, Ms. Polacco for writing so many wonderful children's book and for sharing such a bittersweet part of your life with me and countless others. You've truly inspired me as a parent, and future educator.
Thank you, Mr. Falker. The story is about a young girl, Trisha (Patricia Polacco) whom was blessed with the talent for drawing beautiful pictures yet struggled with learning how to read though she desperately wants to, and how her grandparents share with Trisha how sweet reading is as well as the knowledge that one gains from reading. It isn't until Trisha reaches fifth grade and the new teacher...the sweet, gentle, kind Mr. Falker becomes her teacher and changes her life forever. Mr. Falker helps Trisha understand that she doesn't see letters or numbers the way other people do and helps her to overcome her challenges.
Just typing about this moves me to tears. Another inspiring story by Patricia Polacco. Ohhhhh, and the illustrations. From the cover of the book, to Trisha tasting the drizzled honey on the cover of a small book to the last page the pictures drew me in. With the bright colors that bring each photo to life. I loved how each character had their own personal touch and captured each moment. My favorite photo is the one where Trisha and her grandma sharen a special time by laying on the grass together and counting the lights (stars) from heaven.
Thank you, Ms. Polacco for writing so many wonderful children's book and for sharing such a bittersweet part of your life with me and countless others. You've truly inspired me as a parent, and future educator.
September 3, 2014
In Thank you, Mr. Falker (1998) renowned author and illustrator, Patricia Polacco, draws heavily from her own experience as a child who struggled to read. Her tale is at once tender, at times heartbreaking, and ultimately triumphant. The reader meets Trisha, the protagonist, in one of the earliest scenes in her reading life—those fleeting moments between wanting to read, not knowing how to read, and believing that, as the narrator says, “the promise to read was at last hers… [that] soon she was going to learn to read” (Polacco, 1998, n.p.).
However, we soon find out that unlike drawing, reading does not come easy to Trisha. And as is often the case in many academic settings, Trisha, the nonreader is mistreated and made to feel ashamed. Just when it seemed like little Trisha’s lot would not improve, it takes a turn for the better, setting her on a trajectory that would literally change the course of her life.
Much like the main character in Leo the Late Bloomer (Krauss, 1994), Trisha benefits from the loving support and quiet encouragement of her caregivers. Polacco’s story reminds those of us with children, especially young learners in our charge, to be good listeners, to recognize and appreciate what they can do well, and to gently guide and support them in learning to do those things which they readily cannot. A teacher approaches nobility when she can help a child to learn to help herself.
However, we soon find out that unlike drawing, reading does not come easy to Trisha. And as is often the case in many academic settings, Trisha, the nonreader is mistreated and made to feel ashamed. Just when it seemed like little Trisha’s lot would not improve, it takes a turn for the better, setting her on a trajectory that would literally change the course of her life.
Much like the main character in Leo the Late Bloomer (Krauss, 1994), Trisha benefits from the loving support and quiet encouragement of her caregivers. Polacco’s story reminds those of us with children, especially young learners in our charge, to be good listeners, to recognize and appreciate what they can do well, and to gently guide and support them in learning to do those things which they readily cannot. A teacher approaches nobility when she can help a child to learn to help herself.
October 16, 2013
As a teacher of children with special needs since the late 1970s, I have to say that I loved this book. When I first read this book several years ago, I was moved to tears. The story of a little girl who is so excited to learn how to read, and who, when the time comes, just cannot put the sounds and letters together, exemplify the struggles so many children deal with on a daily basis. When I first entered the field of special education, there were an abundance of theories on how to reach these children, and over the years, methods and materials have frequently undergone changes and revisions. What hasn't changed is the necessity for teachers to be sensitive and caring to the needs of their students, and to search for their strengths as well as dealing with their weaknesses. Mr. Falker was the exact type of teacher anyone would want for their child. He was a champion for his students, willing to stand up for them and to show them that they are important and talented. He did this for Trisha; he praised her artistic talents, and worked on her reading skills, and in the process, he helped her to find her inner voice and her love of school and reading. How surprising when we learn that Trisha is Patricia, and that she overcame her dyslexia to become a renowned children's author and illustrator.
October 3, 2009
Thank you, Mr. Falker is about a young girl and her struggle with having a learning disability and the experiences she faces. Tricia, a struggling student, has always had a difficult time reading. This caused her years of being teased by her classmates as well as much sadness. Once Tricia is in fifth grad her family moves to California, where her life changes when she meets her amazing teacher, Mr. Falker. This teacher is determined to help Tricia succeed in reading and boost her self-esteem. This book shows how important it is to believe.
This is one of the most touching books I have ever read. Being a teacher I dream to one day have the type of impact on a student the way Mr. Falker did on Tricia. This inspiring story brings up wonderful opportunities for all types of students to make personal connections. It portrays the wonderful message to never give up and always continue reaching for your dreams. It also shows how one person can make sure an incredible difference in someone’s life. This story brings up great topics with student about how crucial it is to respect the way each of us individually learns. Throughout a child’s school they will be faced with some sort of challenge or frustration, and this is a perfect story that they can all relate in some way to.
This is one of the most touching books I have ever read. Being a teacher I dream to one day have the type of impact on a student the way Mr. Falker did on Tricia. This inspiring story brings up wonderful opportunities for all types of students to make personal connections. It portrays the wonderful message to never give up and always continue reaching for your dreams. It also shows how one person can make sure an incredible difference in someone’s life. This story brings up great topics with student about how crucial it is to respect the way each of us individually learns. Throughout a child’s school they will be faced with some sort of challenge or frustration, and this is a perfect story that they can all relate in some way to.
May 16, 2012
Based on the author/illustrator's own experiences as a child, this picture book is a loving tribute to the patience of teachers who try to meet the needs of all their students. The main character loved books and words as a child, and she can't wait to read them for herself, something heralded when her grandmother spoons out honey on the top of a book and describes the sweetness of knowledge. But the sweetness of reading eludes Tricia as the letters seem to jumble up together. When her classmates tease her, she comforts herself with her art. After the family moves to California, another teacher stops the bullying that occurs every time she tries to read and eventually realizes what the problem is. Working with a reading specialist, the two help Tricia learn to read and gain confidence in her own abilities. Although some might consider this title to be text-heavy, others will recognize their own struggles or the struggles of their students in its pages and rejoice that Mr. Falker took the time to help Tricia. The engaging story is accompanied by exquisitely detailed illustrations filled with color and motion.
October 15, 2014
Thank You, Mr. Falker is about a girl named Trisha who has just moved to a new place. She is not very good at reading aloud to the class, and becomes extremely self-conscious about it because she is teased. One day, Mr. Falker her teacher asks her to stay after school. They work on all these activities that help develop Trisha into a much better reader. They also unveil that Trisha has dyslexia, which is why she had all that trouble in the first place.
This book is written from an insider's perspective, because Trisha is actually the author as a young girl, Patricia Polacco. This is her story of her disability, and how her teacher helped her through it. This book would be considered, non-fiction. The developmental appropriateness of this book is actually perfect for children in elementary school. The very issue itself of not being able to read well out loud is something that I believe this age group can identify with. Whether or not they have dyslexia, this is an issue that almost everyone can identify with. The illustrations in this book hold the reader's attention and enhance this wonderful story.
This book is written from an insider's perspective, because Trisha is actually the author as a young girl, Patricia Polacco. This is her story of her disability, and how her teacher helped her through it. This book would be considered, non-fiction. The developmental appropriateness of this book is actually perfect for children in elementary school. The very issue itself of not being able to read well out loud is something that I believe this age group can identify with. Whether or not they have dyslexia, this is an issue that almost everyone can identify with. The illustrations in this book hold the reader's attention and enhance this wonderful story.
November 13, 2010
Author: Patricia Polacco
Publisher and Date: Philomel Books, 1998
Summary: Trisha loves stories but when she gets to first grade she realizes reading isn’t so easy. She gets teased for not being a good reader. In fifth grade, Mr. Falker comes along and gives Trisha attention, which only makes Eric treat her worse than before. With help from Mr. Falker after school, Trisha finally learns how to read.
Review: This is one of my favorite stories! It reminds me of why I wanted to become a teacher. More importantly, students who have a hard time in school can relate to Trisha and see how she did not give up even when things were hard. This is based on Patricia Polacco’s teacher, George Felker. Polacco wrote a heartfelt story about a child who overcomes her problem in school. This is a great book to read to students because Polacco touches on how someone’s actions and words can make or break a person.
Publisher and Date: Philomel Books, 1998
Summary: Trisha loves stories but when she gets to first grade she realizes reading isn’t so easy. She gets teased for not being a good reader. In fifth grade, Mr. Falker comes along and gives Trisha attention, which only makes Eric treat her worse than before. With help from Mr. Falker after school, Trisha finally learns how to read.
Review: This is one of my favorite stories! It reminds me of why I wanted to become a teacher. More importantly, students who have a hard time in school can relate to Trisha and see how she did not give up even when things were hard. This is based on Patricia Polacco’s teacher, George Felker. Polacco wrote a heartfelt story about a child who overcomes her problem in school. This is a great book to read to students because Polacco touches on how someone’s actions and words can make or break a person.
September 2, 2014
This is a powerful book explaining how children develop their reading and math skills at different paces. The girl in this book struggles with reading, writing, math, and other subjects in school. She has a hard time putting the numbers and words together. She goes through many years of her life being teased by other students and being ignored by her teachers. Once she meets Mr. Falker, her world is changed.
This book is powerful to me because it explains really well how the kids feel when they are falling behind in school. They start to hate going to school and feel very down on themselves. With the right teacher, all of that can change. I like this book and will want to share it with my children to help them if they are struggling, or to show them that other children struggle, but are no different than they are.
This book is powerful to me because it explains really well how the kids feel when they are falling behind in school. They start to hate going to school and feel very down on themselves. With the right teacher, all of that can change. I like this book and will want to share it with my children to help them if they are struggling, or to show them that other children struggle, but are no different than they are.
November 10, 2014
The best teachers are the ones who persist until they see every child succeed, no matter what is hindering them in their education. Trisha is a student who struggles greatly with reading fluently, but is an amazing artist. None of her teachers knew how to train Trisha to read until she reached the fifth grade and was in Mr. Falker's class. This patient man, through creative means, teaches Trisha how to read and changes her life forever. This excellent book not only teaches to never give up on your dreams, but it also teaches kids how difficult life is with a reading disability. Trisha gets bullied and made fun of because she cannot read as well as her peers do. Polacco clearly depicts the struggles of a disability and shows children that with the right resources they can reach their highest potential.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,404 reviews