Patricia Polacco

Patricia Polacco

Keynote Speaker: Award-Winning Children's Author & Illustrator Known for "Thank You, Mr. Falker"; Dyslexia & Learning Disabilities Advocate

Patricia Polacco Biography

Patricia Polacco is a recognized children's author, illustrator, and advocate for dyslexia and learning disabilities. Raised on her maternal grandmother's farm in Union City, Michigan, Polacco was profoundly influenced by Russian folklore and the rich storytelling tradition imparted by her grandparents. Her struggles with dyslexia, a condition diagnosed in junior high school, deeply impacted her educational experience. However, art provided a refuge, contributing to her eventual career path.

Polacco began her journey as a children's book author at the age of 41. After attending meetings with publishers in New York, all her books were successfully sold. To date, Polacco has written and illustrated over 115 books for children, including "Thank You, Mr. Falker," a narrative based on her personal experience overcoming reading difficulties with the help of a teacher. Other notable works encompass books such as "Mr. Lincoln's Way," "The Lemonade Club," "The Keeping Quilt," "Rechenka's Eggs," and "Chicken Sunday." Some narratives, like "Pink and Say," are inspired by real-life family history, reflecting the life of her great-great-grandfather who fought in the American Civil War.

Before her literary career, Polacco earned a Master's and PhD in Art History and worked as a restoration specialist in art museums. Her educational and professional experience has influenced her writing and made her a sought-after guest lecturer in many universities. She has received numerous honorary degrees in Arts and Letters and has gained international recognition as an advocate for children's rights. Polacco is a member of the National First Amendment Rights Coalition and is an outspoken critic of the No Child Left Behind Act.

In addition to her literary work and advocacy, Polacco has significantly contributed to peace and social justice, earning her a place in the Author's Hall of Fame. She has received several literary awards, including the Sydney Taylor Book Award and the International Reading Association Award. Beyond her books, Polacco has written articles about her work, been featured in interviews, and made public appearances at events such as the Santa Clara Reading Council and the Boston Area Educators for Social Responsibility.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Patricia Polacco and other top speakers and celebrities.

Patricia Polacco Videos

Patricia Polacco talks about her new book Mr. Wayne's Masterpiece
Patricia Polacco: 2012 National Book Festival
Patricia Polacco speaks to our Elementary students

How do I book Patricia Polacco to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Patricia Polacco for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Patricia Polacco, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Patricia Polacco or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Patricia Polacco for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Patricia Polacco, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Patricia Polacco are Below $10,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Patricia Polacco, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Patricia Polacco speak about?

Patricia Polacco is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Authors, Diversity & Inclusion, Disability, Family & Parenting, Early Childhood Education, Art, Women, Literary, Education, Anti-Bullying, Mental Health and Health.

Where does Patricia Polacco travel from?

Patricia Polacco generally travels from Union City, MI, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Patricia Polacco?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Patricia Polacco for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Patricia Polacco for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Patricia Polacco or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Patricia Polacco is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Authors, Diversity & Inclusion and Disability. The estimated speaking fee range to book Patricia Polacco for live events is Below $10,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. Patricia Polacco generally travels from Union City, MI, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Laura Numeroff, Lois Lowry and Kwame Alexander. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Patricia Polacco for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 24/07/2024.

Patricia Polacco Videos

Patricia Polacco talks about her new book Mr. Wayne's Masterpiece
Patricia Polacco: 2012 National Book Festival
Patricia Polacco speaks to our Elementary students
The Teacher Who Changed Everything
  • How do I book Patricia Polacco to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Patricia Polacco for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Patricia Polacco, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Patricia Polacco or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Patricia Polacco for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Patricia Polacco, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Patricia Polacco are Below $10,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Patricia Polacco, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Patricia Polacco speak about?

    Patricia Polacco is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Authors, Diversity & Inclusion, Disability, Family & Parenting, Early Childhood Education, Art, Women, Literary, Education, Anti-Bullying, Mental Health and Health.
  • Where does Patricia Polacco travel from?

    Patricia Polacco generally travels from Union City, MI, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Patricia Polacco?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Patricia Polacco for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Patricia Polacco for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Patricia Polacco or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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