This is an amazing (and true) story. It shows how sometimes it just takes someone believing in us, and giving us a chance, so we can have the confidence to do something amazing, no mater what our circumstances. As a teacher, it is our responsibility to help our children see themselves as the wonderful and unique individuals they are. This brings to mind a famous quote that I try to remind myself as often as I can (especially when my cherubs are driving me crazy :-). “I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration, I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person is humanized or de-humanized. If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.” ― Haim G. Ginott, Teacher and Child: A Book for Parents and Teachers Patricia Palacco superbly documents the struggles of being "new" and "different" through her character, Trisha, in "The Junkyard Wonders." The book is a wonderful resource to use in the classroom with children of all ages because it's message is so powerful, relatable and positive. It could be read individually with older readers who are better able to understand the more serious situations and words used in the book or it could be read to younger readers during interactive read-aloud sessions. Palacco's ability to demonstrate how people's individual differences can be pain-inducing is presented at a very youthful level by describing children's interactions at school, an environment that is very familiar to them. However, Palacco presents an extremely loving teacher who is a source of encouragement and inspiration not only to the characters in the story but to the readers as well. Although Trisha and her classmates are different from others at her school, their differences are considered to be special attributes in Mrs. Peterson's class. Trisha and her classmates are a wonderful example of how being different from what is common is actually very fulfilling. Trisha finds the best of friends within her "tribe" she is placed in Mrs. Peterson's class. They work together, play together, accept one another and defend one another when faced with adversisties. For example, Palacco demonstrates that being different can also be a strength. Jody is Trisha and her friends protector- he is made fun of because he is so large, but not one of the bullies is willing to mess with him. Furthermore, each student in the junkyard classroom was part of a project in which they made inventions with their tribes (groups)- inventions that were brilliant and original, something that only they were able to build simply because of who they were. Palacco includes the death of Jody in the book- one of Trisha's friends and tribe members. The death of a child or friend is not something that most young children experience, but it does affect some children's lives. So while a teacher may need to do some explaining, Palacco makes the event in the book a special one. It is a wonderful example of how friendship and perseverance can overcome all odds and obstacles that are pitted against you in order to find success and happiness. Trisha and the story of "The Junkyard Wonders" is an excellent resource to speak to students about the value of individuality, the respect that every person deserves, the necessity to believe in your own capabilities and how important it is to be supportive of those around you. I think it is especially important to read and explain the author's note at the end of the story to students. I think that explaining to student that the story is truly based on a period of time in the author's life is meaningful. All of the lessons that can be learned from the book are more significant is one realizes the actual real-life impact that the junkyard classroom had on the student's lives. I absolutely look forward to incorporating this book into my classroom as a future teacher.
What do You think about The Junkyard Wonders (2010)?
One of those stories that lifts you so high you believe one day you will reach the moon, too.
—robbidebjones
This book was a very interactive book; students got to name their classroom.
—taylor
Be prepared to shed a tear! Great book!
—nanakorobiyoshie
