Videos

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A basket full of books

While in fifth grade, this future author made frequent trips to the public library.

Dumplings and enchiladas

Pam Muñoz Ryan recalls what it was like growing up in a big, multicultural family.

Thunder is just a noise

Patricia Polacco braved the kicking cow, scratching chicken, and ominous thunder to gather ingredients for her grandmother’s Thunder Cake.

More contrast

Patricia Polacco explains why she sometimes chooses to illustrate in black and white instead of color.

The Teacher Who Changed Everything

In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, children’s book author Patricia Polacco recalls the day that her teacher discovered her dyslexia.

Finding commonalities

Mr. Lincoln’s Way by Patricia Polacco is a story that deliberately deals with the issue of skin color.

Patricia Polacco grew up in an urban Oakland neighborhood where different colors, prayers, food, and dress were commonplace. Her multicultural books bring this diversity to children, no matter where they live.