Thank You, Mr. Falker
"...Honey is sweet, and so is knowledge, but knowledge is like the bee who made the honey, it has to be chased through the pages of a book."
When Trisha turned five her grandpa drizzled honey on the cover of a small book. He did the same thing for her mother, uncles, and brother when they turned five. He handed her the book and said "Taste!". Trisha tasted the honey and said "Sweet!" Then all the family said in a single voice, "Yes, 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!" The little girl knew that the promise to read was at last hers. Soon she was going to learn to read.
So began Trisha's plight. Her hopes of learning to read where high, but she soon discovered that reading wasn't as easy for her as it was for other kids. All she saw were wiggling shapes and the teacher had to help her with every single word. The kids made fun of her every time the teacher called on her to read aloud. As the words and school got harder, Trisha would lose herself in her drawings as she was a very good artist. One day, Trisha moved from Michigan to California and she hoped for a new start and a new chance at reading, but she had the same difficulties and reading continued to be torture for her. Everything changed, however, when she started fifth grade with Mr. Falker. He quickly befriended her, encouraged her artistic talents, and made sure no one teased her. He soon discovered her "secret" and, with the help of an aid and a reading teacher, Trisha experienced the magic of reading all thanks to Mr. Falker.
An autobiography of Patricia Polacco, "Thank You, Mr. Falker" encourages all of us to take time to thank the educators who have made a difference in our lives. And, believe me, after reading this book you will WANT to! Share this book with the children in your life. Even if reading isn't a struggle for them, they will relate to Trisha's frustation and sadness, which turns to peace and joy because of the kindness of a teacher. This book brought tears to my eyes as I read how Mr. Falker took extra interest in a weary little girl who thought all hope was gone in her quest to read. Mr. Falker gave Trisha the gift of words, and by doing so, gave her the world. Thank you, Mr. Falker and thank you, Patricia Polacco!
