Biography 

Born in Michigan in 1944, Patricia Polacco lived on a farm with her mother and grandparents until she was 5 years old.  Although her parents divorced when she was 3 years old, Polacco spent time with both parents and both sets of grandparents. She says that her time on the farm with her beloved grandparents was the “most magical time of [her] life.” She spent much of her childhood with her grandparents who were and are a major inspiration in her life and her work. She says that this interaction between people both young and old is the most “valuable experience” of her life.
  At 8 years old Polacco moved to Oakland, California. There she met all kinds of people; her neighbors were of different ethnic and religious backgrounds. Polacco says that she considers herself very lucky to have known so many people that were different “and yet so much alike.” Although she eventually moved away from California, Polacco is still in touch with the people she knew and loved there, including her best friend, Stewart Grinnell Washington, who makes an appearance in her book Chicken Sunday.Polacco’s family is full of storytellers and many of her stories are inspired by specific people and events from her life. 
Although she is a prolific author and illustrator now, Polacco did not learn to read until she was 14 years old. She disliked elementary school because she was teased and felt “dumb” for being behind her classmates. At 14 years old however, Polacco’s “hero,” her teacher, realized that Polacco had dyslexia and got her the help that she needed in order to succeed. Polacco went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in fine art and a Ph. D. in Art History.
Polacco began writing children’s books when she was 41 years old. Since then she has written numerous books, beloved by children and adults alike. Polacco’s stories emphasize the connection between people, whether it is between generations of families or complete strangers, and her vivid illustrations help to bring her stories to life. 
Polacco lives on a farm in Michigan, where she continues to write, draw, and be inspired today.

References:
http://www.patriciapolacco.com/author/bio/bio.html
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/contributor/patricia-polacco