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77th out of 137 books
—
676 voters
The Art of Miss Chew
After spending the summer with her artist grandmother, Trisha knows she wants to be an artist, too. She's thrilled when her sketches get her into Miss Chew's special art class at the high school. A substitute teacher tells her she's wasting time on art when she should be studying - but fortunately, this is one battle that Miss Chew and Trisha are up for!
This true story sh...more
This true story sh...more
Hardcover, 32 pages
Published
April 12th 2012
by Philomel Books
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"Art teaches us to speak a language that originates in the heart, the soul, and earliest memories. How could any course be more important?"
―Patricia Polacco, from the author's note to The Art of Miss Chew
While I tend to view the powerful emotional writing as the main focus of Patricia Polacco's magnificent literature, I have always liked her drawing style, as well. In The Art of Miss Chew, she seems to take her artistic performance to new heights, creating a lush richness to the color plannin...more
―Patricia Polacco, from the author's note to The Art of Miss Chew
While I tend to view the powerful emotional writing as the main focus of Patricia Polacco's magnificent literature, I have always liked her drawing style, as well. In The Art of Miss Chew, she seems to take her artistic performance to new heights, creating a lush richness to the color plannin...more
I love Patricia Polacco. I particularly love her autobiographical books, especially Junkyard Wonders and Thank You, Mr. Falker. As a teacher, I appreciate the tributes she pays to her teachers and am inspired to try to be a better teacher for my own students. This, in my mind, goes right along with those two. This is the story of Miss Chew who taught an art class that Patricia attended. Miss Chew teaches Patricia to see, really see, and then to draw. She also has great insight into Patricia's re...more
"The Art of Miss Chew" by Patricia Polacco must be one of her best picture books ever. That's probably because it's written from her heart. It's an homage to an art teacher who helped Polacco through a tough time and helped her become an artist.
It's autobiographical, it's touching, and it's inspiring. I defy any teacher to read this without shedding at least one tear before the story ends.
It's about the difference a great teacher (or two great teachers) can make. It's also, unfortunately, about...more
It's autobiographical, it's touching, and it's inspiring. I defy any teacher to read this without shedding at least one tear before the story ends.
It's about the difference a great teacher (or two great teachers) can make. It's also, unfortunately, about...more
Another absolutely wonderful by Patricia Polacco!
In this book, Polacco recounts the time in her life when her art teacher, Miss Chew, not only helps her to "first see...then draw" and truly gain an appreciation for the things around her and use them as inspirations for her drawings and paintings. Miss Chew also recognizes how Patricia's amazing ability to draw also attributes to her problems in reading. Miss Chew not only inspires Patricia to become the illustrator she is today, but helps her su...more
In this book, Polacco recounts the time in her life when her art teacher, Miss Chew, not only helps her to "first see...then draw" and truly gain an appreciation for the things around her and use them as inspirations for her drawings and paintings. Miss Chew also recognizes how Patricia's amazing ability to draw also attributes to her problems in reading. Miss Chew not only inspires Patricia to become the illustrator she is today, but helps her su...more
Patricia Polacco writes the most amazing books! Sharing her life with her readers is an inspiration to all. Showing the importance of creativity in life and nurturing that creativity in a child are lessons of which we all need to be reminded, especially in this age of cut-backs to artistic programs in the schools.
Jul 18, 2012
Kelly Maybedog Hawkins
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommended to Kelly Maybedog by:
Lisa Vegan
Shelves:
how-picture-book
This is a good solid story about giving a girl a chance to realize her potential and overcome obstacles. Polacco had a reading learning disability in the 60's and ran into trouble getting support for it at one point. There also was no art instruction available in her middle school at all. How things have changed! Even with a depletion in money for the arts, I don't know any middle school that doesn't even have a very basic art curriculum.
The illustrations are happy and Polacco does a good job of...more
The illustrations are happy and Polacco does a good job of...more
Another beautiful story and illustrations by Patricia Polacco. This story touched me in so many ways. First, I loved the relationship between Trisha and Miss Chew. It reminds me of my relationships with my dancers. This story is so emotional and thought provoking. It also addresses the need for growth in education and how we value the arts. The thing that I will remember about this book is the substitute teacher and how she almost succeded in breaking Trisha's spirit. Unfortunately,there are far...more
Anyone who knows my love of Patricia Polacco should not be surprised by my rating. I would say almost all of her stories deserve a 4-or 5-star rating. I love how she takes moments in her life (some ordinary, some life-changing)(some her own, some observed, some shared by others) and creates an extraordinary tale. She's a remarkable storyteller! Everytime I read one of her books I find myself recalling my own childhood stories or those of my family and wonder if I too could create such tales. I c...more
I just reviewed Won-Ton, and now The Art of Miss Chew, which I also found at the library. This is a beautiful happy ending story of how Patricia Polacco became an artist, the story of two loving teachers that gave a big boost to a very talented young woman who struggled with reading, but was a gifted artist. It also gives such a great argument for keeping art in our schools. I believe that art (learning how to see) helps students in all curriculum areas. And wish that the powers up there would j...more
A powerful, moving true story. Patricia Polacco talks about her reading problems and her teachers' determination to help her succeed in school. Her passion for art is discovered and then cultivated by the wonderful Miss Chew.
Highly recommended for upper elementary school students. It recognizes different strengths, passion for learning, and importance of accepting each child for who they are.
If you do a Polacco unit with your students, you need to add this one to your list of books! It gives g...more
Highly recommended for upper elementary school students. It recognizes different strengths, passion for learning, and importance of accepting each child for who they are.
If you do a Polacco unit with your students, you need to add this one to your list of books! It gives g...more
Oh, Patricia Polacco, how do you do it? You inspire us with your sensitive stories and the beautiful artwork that goes along with them every time. The Art of Miss Chew is a beautiful tribute to Patricia's first real art teacher. Not only does this art teacher help her to explore art more thoroughly, but she also helps the school to see that Patricia sees patterns, not words, which makes it more difficult for her to succeed on tests without additional time. I'd rate this book right up there with...more
This is a wonderful tale from Patricia Polacco's childhood that follows Thank You, Mr. Falker. Once again, she features teachers who made a significant imprint on her life. The poignancy of the story is dramatic, but not as much of a tearjerker as some of her other stories.
Miss Chew is the high school art teacher, but Trisha is given a special opportunity to attend class with her because her own school had no formal art education. Our girls love to draw and they really liked that she discovered...more
Miss Chew is the high school art teacher, but Trisha is given a special opportunity to attend class with her because her own school had no formal art education. Our girls love to draw and they really liked that she discovered...more
Another episode in Patricia Polacco's story-version memoirs to her past (ala Thank You, Mr. Falker). In this case she relates her time with Miss Chew, who taught her to SEE, to learn the language of emotion and images. It also relates the way in which Mrs. Chew helped further diagnose Polacco's reading disability and lead her to further support. All this depute calling her "Theresa" throughout their lessons.
This might be better enjoyed by an adult audience, or at least a very sophisticated olde...more
This might be better enjoyed by an adult audience, or at least a very sophisticated olde...more
Polacco continues to explore her childhood in picture book form in this tribute to a teacher. In school, young Patricia struggled with her grades, specifically when taking tests. Luckily, she had a teacher, Mr. Donovan, who was willing to give her extra time to finish. That little change allowed Patricia to get better grades. Mr. Donovan was also the first teacher to recognize her artistic talent. He connected her with an art program run by Miss Chew. Miss Chew talked about learning to see, work...more
Mar 06, 2012
Lisa Vegan
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
everybody, especially teachers, art students, kids who have learning differences
Oh, when the inside front and back covers and book dedication already had me close to crying, I knew this was going to be one of the Patricia Polacco books where I’d be sobbing my eyes out, or feeling like doing so, and those are the books by her that are my favorites. And this one is now among my favorite books by one of my favorite picture book authors.
Thanks so much to Abigail I own a copy (I hope Abigail read this before she sent it, and if not luckily has another “great Polacco book” left t...more
Thanks so much to Abigail I own a copy (I hope Abigail read this before she sent it, and if not luckily has another “great Polacco book” left t...more
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This is a heartwarming autobiography of author/illustrator Patricia Polacco and the people who nurtured her artistic abilities, including two real teachers she names in the book. This book is a lovely tribute to the educators who spotted her talent and encouraged her in that direction. Patricia Polacco is an outstanding storyteller. Her story is an important read for young aspiring artists, and for kids who have trouble reading. Her colorful and bold illustrations evoke a lot of emotion and fun.
Patricia Polacco is one of my favorite children's authors, but this book brought me to tears. Every teacher needs to read this and decide if they are going to be like Miss Chew, or like the substitute.
I would read this at the very beginning of the year to talk to students about their goals for the year and what they hope to accomplish. This would also be a fun book to read and reference back when we try new things in the classroom to remind students that everyone learns in different ways.
I would read this at the very beginning of the year to talk to students about their goals for the year and what they hope to accomplish. This would also be a fun book to read and reference back when we try new things in the classroom to remind students that everyone learns in different ways.
Sep 02, 2012
Barbara
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
art,
bullies,
cultural-identity,
families,
friendship,
ncbla2013,
picture-book,
reading,
school,
teachers,
self-esteem
Although Trisha struggles with reading and writing, she has no problem expressing herself through drawing. This beautifully-drawn and -written picture book, based on the author's own growing up years, describes how her art teacher, Miss Chew, nurtures her talents. Inspiring and hear-rending, this is a must-read for anyone planning to teach since it shows so clearly the impact teachers can have on the lives of their students.
Teachers Matter! The stories from Patricia Polacco always do a wonderful job capturing that fact. When an educator takes that time to do a little bit, and sometimes not so little bit, extra needed to learn about a student and to help them grow, it is a very special thing. Possibly that effort can be the catalyst that changes their life forever. Which in turn can change the lives of countless others. Ripples in a pond.
I discovered this book in The Tattered Cover in Denver. I've read and liked other stories about Patricia Polacco's difficult childhood and the teachers who inspired her, and this story is equally moving. Even if the art teacher could not get Patricia's name right, she set her on the path for a long and fulfilling career. Well worth reading along with Polacco's The Junkyard Wonders and Thank You, Mr. Falkner.
Another moving memoir by Patricia Polacco about her struggles as a reader, but in this one, a caring art teacher helps her to understand the nature of her talent and disability. A must-read for teachers to explore the question: What does it mean to "read" art? Loved the gorgeous endpapers and the author's letter to readers sharing her thoughts on the importance of arts in our schools. Powerful book!
Inspiring, touching, beautiful. Patricia Polacco does it yet again, taking a cornerstone moment from her life and sharing it in a way that touches her reader. Another nod to the caring teachers she encountered in her life, her struggles with reading, and her talent as an artist. Share this with every art teacher you know because they are all Miss Chews: real teachers that impact lives.
I love this book to pieces. Patricia Polacco can do no wrong in my eyes. For me, this story/memoir is a powerful reminder of how important ONE teacher can be in the life of a child, and how important it is to recognize and honor each students' talents. For students, it is a story of the power of having someone believe in you even if you're different. This is a MUST ORDER for my library.
What a beautiful reflection back on life... speaking up for yourself and being ignored when a teacher doesn't accommodate learning challenge needs and a gorgeous celebration of art classes. I personally had accommodations in school that helped me be successful and always appreciate how Patricia Polacco approaches learning challenges- especially with Thank You, Mr. Falker and The Junkyard Wonders.
Patricia Polacco captures the human spirit in The Art of Miss Chew. WIthout the encouragement of seeing art and test in different ways, Theresa might have been another child that never could have had the confidence to fulfill her dreams. A Chinese proverb: Yesterday is history. Tomorrow, a mystery. Today...a gift-that is why it is called 'the present.'
Such a great book! This speaks to the power of a good teacher who has the ability to see a child for who they are rather than just how they test. Kids will learn a bit about art in this book, but more than that they will see how kids with special needs just see things differently and their disability may actually be a unique ability!
This is one of my favorite children's book of all time! Beautiful artwork and a 1Derful story! One quote that really stuck out at me: 'Sometimes when I was drawing, I'd forget to breathe.' beautiful quote.....also-Miss Chew and MR. Donovan are awesome! :D I love nice teachers! and WHat a fantastic ending! :D
This autobiographical story tells of Polacco's own struggles in school, and of the two teachers who recognize her special talents. Her classroom teacher, Mr. Donovan, understands that not all students learn the same way, or at the same pace, and adjusts accordingly. He also recognizes Polacco's gift for art, and recommends her for a special art class. There, Miss Chew further becomes Polacco's advocate and sets her on a path that will ultimately lead to an astounding career.
The Art of Miss Chew...more
The Art of Miss Chew...more
This autobiographical picture book by popular author and artist Patricia Polacco explains how several of her teachers were instrumental in her pursuit of art despite difficulties with reading.
Sweet, touching, inspirational story with vivid illustrations.
Sweet, touching, inspirational story with vivid illustrations.
I had been so thoroughly disappointed with Polacco's "Just in Time, Abraham Lincoln" last year that I was almost ready to write her off as being all washed up. That would have been silly of me. This book is beautiful, lovely, classic Patricia Polacco.
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