The stories of Patricia Polacco inspire young readers to appreciate family heritage, examine personal attitudes, explore hopes and dreams, and reach for the stars. Includes a profile of the author, before-and after-reading discussion ideas, hands-on activities, and reproducibles that build skills in reading, writing, math, art, and more.

Books about Patricia Polacco's personal and family experiences: Keeping quilt -- My ol' man -- Thunder cake -- Chicken Sunday -- My rotten redheaded older brother -- Trees of the dancing goats -- Fiction, fantasy, and folktales of Patricia Polacco: Meteor! -- Babushka Baba Yaga -- Just plain fancy -- Bee tree -- Rechenka's eggs -- Babushka's doll -- More books by Patricia Polacco -- Author study celebration.