Hi Everybody!
No matter what I write here, there is no way to really tell you how I
feel about the trip to Union City, Michigan, home of children's author and
illustrator Patricia Polacco this past weekend. Most of you probably don't
even know who I am talking about, but I hope that will change. Please bear
with me as I try to tell you about some of the most exciting and uplifting
experiences of my life.
Last September Mary Jean Smith, a dear friend and librarian at
Southside, sent me an e-mail about the National Teachers of English
Conference that was going to be at Opryland Hotel in November. One of my
favorite authors Karen Hess, author of Newbery Medal winner Out of the Dust,
was going to be the guest speaker at one of the banquets and was going to
signing her books. Mary Jean said to me, "You have to go. What an
opportunity!" I decided I would.
In early November I received my program for the conference and it was
over an each thick. Not being too well schooled in children's literature I
asked Mary Jean to help me plan my weekend at NTCE. She told me I had to
meet so and so and so and so, etc. Several of the authors I was familiar
with because of my sixth graders, but some of the names she gave me were new
to me. One of those was Patricia Polacco. When I asked about her, Mary Jean
gave me a video called The Dream Keeper and several books written by her to
read. Needless to say, I became fascinated with this person and knew I
wanted to meet her too. I felt that we were kindred spirits as defined by
Lucy Maud Montgomery.
That Saturday was one of the most exciting days I had ever had. I
got to meet Avi, Sharon Creech, Karen Cushman and Karen Hesse. I made
wonderful pictures and they all signed a book for me. I could hardly wait
until Sunday. When I finally got back to Opryland Hotel Sunday afternoon, my
heart was broken. Patricia Polacco's appearance had been canceled. I tried
not to cry right there in front of hundreds of people, but it was tough!!!
My day picked up though when I got to talk to Karen Hesse for the third time
in two days!!! I also got to meet a wonderful author from North Carolina,
Gloria Houston.
When I got back home I thought I would surf the net and look up
authors that I had met and had hoped to meet. That's when I came across
(check it out)
www.patriciapolacco.com