Chicken Sunday - by Patricia Polacco (Paperback)

About the Book

After being initiated into a neighbor's family by a solemn backyard ceremony, a young Russian girl and her African American "brothers" determine to buy their grandmother a beautiful Easter hat. A loving family story woven from the author's childhood. An ALA Notable Book. Full color.

Book Synopsis

The heartwarming story of a group of kids just looking to do the right thing who bring their community together along the way, from master storyteller Patricia Polacco, author of Thank You, Mr. Falker.

More than anything in the world, the children want to buy that special Easter bonnet in Mr. Kodinski's shop window for their Miss Eula. She is always so good to them, and how they love to hear her sing--her voice is like slow thunder and sweet rain. But the hat costs money, and the children do not have enough.

Then one day, when they are mistakenly accused of throwing eggs at the Jewish shop owner's window, they discover just the right way to prove their innocence and earn money for the hat at the same time--and bring their community together in shared joy along the way.

With her characteristic full, vibrant colors and rich folk-art style, author-artist Patricia Polacco once again reaches into her childhood and weaves a lasting story of acceptance, trust, and love.

Praise for Chicken Sunday

* "In this moving picture book, the hatred sometimes engendered by racial and religious differences is overpowered by the love of people who recognize their common humanity." --Booklist, starred review

* "The text conveys a tremendous pride of heritage as it brims with rich images from her characters' African American and Russian Jewish cultures--A tribute to the strength of all family bonds." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Polacco has outdone herself with these joyful, energetic illustrations, her vibrant colors even richer and more intense than usual, while authentic details enhance the interest. A unique piece of Americana." --Kirkus Reviews

Review Quotes

Praise for Chicken Sunday

* "In this moving picture book, the hatred sometimes engendered by racial and religious differences is overpowered by the love of people who recognize their common humanity." --Booklist, starred review

* "The text conveys a tremendous pride of heritage as it brims with rich images from her characters' African American and Russian Jewish cultures--A tribute to the strength of all family bonds." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Polacco has outdone herself with these joyful, energetic illustrations, her vibrant colors even richer and more intense than usual, while authentic details enhance the interest. A unique piece of Americana." --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Patricia Polacco is the beloved New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of more than sixty picture books, including Chicken Sunday, Pink and Say, and Thank You, Mr. Falker. She lives in Union City, Michigan, where she enjoys speaking to the myriad of children who come to visit her and the famous meteor, the object of one of Patricia's best-known stories. You can visit Patricia Polacco at PatriciaPolacco.com.