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.
Praise for Just in Time, Abraham, Lincoln Will take a strong grip on readers' hearts and minds both. --Kirkus Reviews A thoughtful tribute and addition to picture-book historical fiction. --School Library Journal Fluid, emotion-charged images. --Publishers Weekly Awards for Patricia Polacco: Patricia Polacco is the recipient of over 75 awards and honors including the California Children's Book Award, Parents Choice Award, Jefferson Cup Award, New York Times Pick of the Year, and the New York State Association of Educators and Librarians Best Book of the Year for Pink and Say, which has also received numerous state awards. Her book January's Sparrow was a CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People, an IRA Teachers Choice, and a Michigan Notable Book. She was also honored with Author of the Year 2004 from the Michigan Reading Association and The Golden Kite Award for Chicken Sunday, as well as Michigan Reading Association Notable Book for An Orange for Frankie.