The Junkyard Wonders

Book Title: The Junkyard Wonders

Author(s): Patricia Polacco

Illustrator/: Patricia Polacco

Publisher: Philomel Books

Copyright Date: 2010

Genre: Picture Book

Brief Annotation:

The Junkyard Wonders is inspired by a true story from Polacco’s childhood. She was placed in a special needs class that everyone called “the junkyard.” Her teacher, Mrs. Peterson, embraced the name and called the students “The Junkyard Wonders.” Mrs. Peterson believed in these children even when they began to truly think they were actually junk – useless leftovers. With that, Mrs. Peterson took the class to an actual junkyard and challenged the students to find a piece of junk and make into something: “Forget what the object was… imagine what it could be!” The students work together, creating some truly spectacular inventions, proving to their classmates and themselves that they were a strong bunch with endless possibilities.

Your Rating (1-5) and why:

5 – I could see myself using this book in many ways. I could see myself lending it to a child that feels like they have nothing to offer. I could also see my students working together to create something out of junk no one else wanted. I would also use it as a cornerstone book for themes about fear, friendship, harmony, challenges, and adventure. It’s truly an inspiration.

Readers who will like this book:

I could see students that feel left out or lost taking something away from this book. I would say that students from second grade and up could find some value in this book.

Teaching Strategy:

Bring in some “junk” and challenged the children to create it into something useful. “Some

people look at things the way they are and cry, ‘Why!” But I want you to look at things and see what they could be and as, “Why not?”

Question to ask about this book before a read aloud:

Have you ever felt like you were different from everyone else?

Did you see that as a good thing or a bad thing?

1. Interest Level (age): 8

2. Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 3.8