An A from Miss Keller

by Patricia Polacco (Author) Patricia Polacco (Illustrator)

An A from Miss Keller
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
Trisha wants to write something that will please her demanding writing teacher, who is rumored to have never given a student an A.
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Hardcover
$18.99

School Library Journal

Gr 1-4—Trisha is nervous about taking Miss Keller's advanced writing class. True to the rumors, this teacher is tough, taking pains to critique Trisha's lack of emotional connection in her writing. Trisha visits with her neighbor Pop for encouragement, and he shares stories about his beloved wife and sons, who also took Killer Keller's writing class. After learning of Pop's death by sudden heart attack, Trisha writes down her feelings without worrying about her grade, and Miss Keller tells Trisha she has "given [her] words wings," finally earning an "A." The text maintains a conversational tone throughout ("Guess what?" and "She actually hugged me!") to tell this personal story of loss and growth. Polacco's colorful illustrations are engaging, with pencil lines used in the characters' facial expressions to evoke a range of emotion, from Miss Keller's birdlike scrutiny to Trisha's anxiety and heartbreaking grief. The middle school setting may make this text-heavy picture book better suited for independent reading or for sharing with older children. Add Miss Keller to Polacco's collection of inspirational teachers, including Mr. Falker, Mr. Lincoln, and Miss Chew. VERDICT A recommended general purchase, especially where longer picture books are needed.—Hannah Farmer, Seguin Public Library, TX

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"Polacco introduces readers to another inspirational teacher from her past in this inspiring tale. . . . This story from the author's life, colorfully illustrated with pencils and markers in her signature style, is affecting, engaging, and informative."—Booklist

"Polacco's colorful illustrations are engaging, with pencil lines used in the characters' facial expressions to evoke a range of emotion. . . . Add Miss Keller to Polacco's collection of inspirational teachers, including Mr. Falker, Mr. Lincoln, and Miss Chew."—School Library Journal

"Inspired by Polacco's experience growing up and the teacher who encouraged her to write, students can relate to Tricia's experience and struggle in trying to please a teacher who seems impossible to please."—School Library Connection
Patricia Polacco
Patricia Polacco belongs to a family of storytellers, poets, farmers, teachers, and artists. They came from many parts of the world, but mainly Russia. She grew up to be an illustrator, a designer, and creator of many beloved children's books, including The Keeping Quilt, The Blessing Cup, Fiona's Lace, The Trees of the Dancing Goats, Babushka's Doll, My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother, Sticks and Stones, and Palace of Books. She lives in Union City, Michigan. Visit her at PatriciaPolacco.com and follow her on Facebook.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780399166914
Lexile Measure
700
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Publication date
September 29, 2015
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039050 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emotions & Feelings
JUV039030 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Death & Dying
JUV035000 - Juvenile Fiction | School & Education
Library of Congress categories
Teachers
Authorship
Teacher-student relationships
Autobiographical fiction

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