Personal NarrativesPersonal NarrativesPersonal NarrativesPersonal Narratives

Characteristics of a Personal Narrative

 

• Focuses on a single incident in the writer's life

• Has a clear purpose, the significance of which is clear to the reader

• Is written in first person

• Has many relevant sensory details

• Includes the author's feelings and thoughts

• Often includes dialogue

Patricia Polacco has written many picture books for children. Here are some of my favorites.

On the following slides I have given you summaries, quotes, and have asked some questions. Please turn

and talk about these questions with your partner.

Thank You, Mr. Falker• Thank You, Mr. Falker is the story of Tricia when she

was young and learning to read. Reading did not come easily to her. She was teased by classmates and figured out ways to cover up the fact that she couldn’t read. Then, she met Mr. Falker, her fifth grade teacher. He figured out her secret and helped her to overcome her disability. Now she writes children’s books for a living.

Thank You, Mr. Falker“I saw Mr. Falker 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.”

“He hugged me and asked me what I did for a living. “Why, Mr. Falker,” I answered. “I make books for children…Thank you, Mr. Falker. Thank you.”

Thunder Cake• This story is all about Patricia’s fear of thunderstorms

and how she overcomes that fear. Patricia’s, Babushka (grandmother), helps her to do so by having Patricia make a Thunder cake while waiting for the thunder to arrive. When the thunder finally arrives, the cake is made, and Patricia eats it happily while feeling brave.

The Keeping Quilt• This is a story of traditions. Traditions are the passing down of

elements of a culture from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth. Patricia’s family kept the tradition of passing down a quilt. The quilt was made from Patricia’s, Great Grandmother’s dress and bubushka, and other family member’s clothes. The quilt was then passed down from generation to generation along with jewish traditions.

• Do you have traditions within your family? If so, what are they? If you don’t, could you think of a tradition that you would like to start?

Meet the AuthorLet’s meet Patricia Polacco and find out more about what inspires her to write…

http://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/polacco

References Websiteswww.PatriciaPolacco.comwww.bullying.orgBooksPolacco, P. (1996). Aunt Chip and the Great Triple Creek Dam Affair. New York:

Scholastic, Inc.Polacco, P. (2001). Mr. Lincoln’s Way. New York: Scholastic, Inc.Polacco, P. (1998). Thank You, Mr. Falker. New York: Philomel BooksPolacco, P. (1988). The Keeping Quilt. New York, Scholastic, Inc.Polacco, P. (1990). Thunder Cake. New York: Scholastic, Inc.