"We all have gifts," insisted author and illustrator Patricia Polacco to Lower School students on Thursday. "We just unwrap them at different times."
In this simple-sounding statement lies a resounding truth for Ms. Polacco herself. Over her career she has written and illustrated over 115 children's books, but because of dyslexia did not learn to read until she was 14. Thanks to the Friends of the OES Libraries (FOESL) and Head Librarian Lara Ingham, Ms. Polacco was on hand all day in the Lower School to share stories, impart wisdom from overcoming her obstacles, and remind everyone who heard her speak of the power of wishes.
Ms. Polacco's family immigrated to the United States from Russia, and while adjusting to life in America managed to maintain a strong sense of their identity. As part of her chat with our Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Primary classes, she told part of the powerful story of her great-great-grandmother's journey to the U.S.--and shared the accompanying "Keeping Quilt" her family made to keep memories of Russia alive in their hearts.
As her last gift to all gathered in the Lower School Library, Ms. Polacco offered each person the opportunity to make a wish on a very special piece of a meteor that once (true story!) fell from the sky onto her family's farm. "You can have as many wishes as you want," Patricia said. "But the catch is that one of them has to be a wish to make another person happy."
Thanks to Ms. Polacco for sharing your gifts with our community!