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The Junkyard Wonders Hardcover – Picture Book, July 8, 2010

by Patricia Polacco (Author, Illustrator)
4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 595 ratings
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A heartwarming story of friendship and celebrating our differences--and the teachers who help us shine--from master storyteller Patricia Polacco, author of Thank You, Mr. Falker.
In this story based on the author-illustrator's own childhood, Patricia Polacco once again celebrates the power teachers have to help us discover the potential we each hold.

Young Trisha is devastated when she finds out that her class at her new school is known as the junkyard. It is a special class, and she had moved from where she used to live so she wouldn’t be in a special class anymore! But then she meets her teacher, the amazing Mrs. Peterson, and her classmates, an oddly brilliant group of misfit kids, whom the other kids in school call the junkyard kids. Much to her own surprise, it is here in the junkyard that Trisha discovers the true meaning of genius, and that this group of misfits are, in fact, Junkyard Wonders, each and every one of them.
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  1. Reading age
    8 - 10 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    48 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Kindergarten - 3
  5. Lexile measure
    660L
  6. Dimensions
    8.81 x 0.42 x 11.25 inches
  7. Publisher
    Philomel Books
  8. Publication date
    July 8, 2010
  9. ISBN-10
    0399250786
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0399250781
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5 Based on true events, this inspiring story celebrates the extraordinary influence a teacher can have on her students. As Trisha enters a new school in Michigan, she hopes she won't be relegated to a special class. At her old school, she had trouble learning to read. On the first day, she is disappointed to learn that Room 206 is known as the junkyard. Fortunately, their teacher, Mrs. Peterson, doesn't allow her students to feel like misfits. She divides her Junkyard Wonders into tribes, creating a sense of unity among them. One day, the children visit a local junkyard where they discover a place full of wondrous possibilities and collect objects for a class project. Trisha and her tribe retrieve an old model plane, which they refurbish. The whole class looks forward to the science fair when they will fly the plane from the roof of the school in remembrance of a classmate who has died. The school bully tries to foil their plans, but in the end the Junkyard Wonders launch the plane and watch it soar up into the stratosphere. The touching story is accompanied by Polacco's trademark illustrations in which a motherly Mrs. Peterson presides over her busy classroom. The children's expressive faces convey their devotion to her and to each other. Pair this title with Lester L. Laminack's Saturdays and Teacakes (Peachtree, 2004), another nod to a fondly remembered past. Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA
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From Booklist

Looking forward to a fresh start at a new school, Trisha is crestfallen when she is assigned to a special class with children who are different. Their teacher, Mrs. Peterson, proudly calls them the junkyard and takes them to an actual junkyard, which she describes as a place of wondrous possibilities . . . amazing things waiting to be made into something new. It’s clear that she sees her class the same way as she divides them into tribes and urges their creativity. Reclaiming and rebuilding an old model plane they intend to send to the moon, Trisha’s tribe manages a triumphant launch. Illustrations, rendered in pencil and marker, portray children in saddle oxfords and poodle skirts brimming with energy and excitement, guided by a model teacher. Based on her own childhood, Polacco’s inspiring story will touch children and teachers alike. In an appended note, Polacco updates the subsequent successful lives of her former tribe members and reveals how they did make it to the moon after all. Grades 2-5. --Linda Perkins

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Philomel Books; Illustrated edition (July 8, 2010)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 48 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0399250786
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0399250781
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 10 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 660L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Kindergarten - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.81 x 0.42 x 11.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 595 ratings

About the author

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Patricia Polacco

Patricia Polacco

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Born Patricia Ann Barber in Lansing, Michigan, to parents of Russian and Ukrainian descent on one side and Irish on the other, Patricia Polacco grew up in both California and Michigan. Her school year was spent in Oakland, California, and summers in her beloved Michigan. She describes her family members as marvelous storytellers. "My fondest memories are of sitting around a stove or open fire, eating apples and popping corn while listening to the old ones tell glorious stories about their homeland and the past. We are tenacious traditionalists and sentimentalists.... With each retelling our stories gain a little more Umph!"Studying in the United States and Australia, Patricia Polacco has earned an M.F.A. and a Ph. D. in art history, specializing in Russian and Greek painting, and iconographic history. She is a museum consultant on the restoration of icons. As a participant in many citizen exchange programs for writers and illustrators, Patricia Polacco has traveled extensively in Russia as well as other former Soviet republics. She continues to support programs that encourage Russo-American friendships and understanding. She is also deeply involved in inner-city projects here in the U.S. that promote the peaceful resolution of conflict and encourage art and literacy programs.The mother of a grown son and a daughter, Patricia Polacco currently resides in Michigan, where she has a glorious old farm that was built during the time of Lincoln.

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9 out of 5
595 global ratings
Always believe in others even when they have disabilities because nothing is impossible!
5 Stars
Always believe in others even when they have disabilities because nothing is impossible!
I read Junkyard Wonders to my friends 3rd grade class. I love this book. Very well written with a first page hook and many more throughout. Has a wonderful ending! I highly recommend this enjoyable picture book!
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Top reviews from the United States

Kori Bujarski
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!!
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2024
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Perfect for my third grade classroom!! The loves this book and the author is amazing!!
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EB
5.0 out of 5 stars Poignant and Inspiring!
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2023
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THIS is ONE terrific book! The story is poignant and very inspiring. It reminded me of my childhood! SO MANY great life lessons to discuss with your child after reading. The story is true and may we ALL have pals like the Junkyard Wonders! This book would be lovely for an older child I believe. I'm giving it to a 9 yr old boy.
One person found this helpful
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tubaguy
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2023
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Wife purchased this for school, she's an elementary librarian. The story is true and really really good. A good story for any age.
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Lori BG
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful, true story about the kids who didn't quite fit in!
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2023
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One of my favorite books ever--even for adults! Truly a phenomenal book and an inspiring story. Particularly highlights the kids who think outside the box. A more complex picture book, so middle school and up, in my opinion
One person found this helpful
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G.Denny
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful life lessons in this book
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2023
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I absolutely love this book. I read it aloud to my students to begin each and every school year. It brings tears to my eyes every time. The life lessons are invaluable and very important for kids to hear. I highly recommend this book for classrooms everywhere!!
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bitney3
5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful book to discover
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2022
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I saw this book being used in a teaching video on YouTube for an education class. I then wrote a unit lesson on this book for my class. What a delightful way to open minds and hearts to a variety of leaning styles in a classroom.
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csb
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful. Touching. Everyone should read it!
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2022
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This story, based on truth, is absolutely wonderful. It puts life in perspective. Do not hesitate. But it. Read it. I dare you not to cry!!
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Rebecca Bates
5.0 out of 5 stars This book should be required reading for school administrators.
Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2016
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As a retired teacher of special needs children, I cried during parts of what I consider to be one of Patricia Polacco's most poignant books. I have observed hurt and doubt on the faces of my students, and she validated that most schools create those feelings in students who are bright but learn in different ways. Ms. Polacco also made it clear all students have potential, and was honest about the fact many students are ill but attend school even while they may die during the school year.I was elated that an author was able to tell the story of what some students live through each school day from the viewpoint of the students. She was accurate in revealing the subtle but very real battles some teachers must wage for the most basic supplies or the approval of projects. This book should be required reading by students in teaching programs, and it should be read by every administrator each year.
13 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Love
Reviewed in Canada on December 19, 2018
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Love it. Good story
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Yelsel
5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic message to young readers.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 15, 2014
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Read with class of 8-9 years olds. They loved it! The story was engaging and built self esteem, Children accepted and enjoyed fact that children with special learning needs also had talents and strengths. At first they were outraged and defensive that the class was named the Junkyard. Lots of excellent planning, writing and design work came out of this book.
Links into recycling topic very well indeed. Would highly recommend this book.
One person found this helpful
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