The Junkyard Wonders, by the prolific Patricia Polacco, is a staple on my read-aloud list. Based on her own inspiring true story, The Junkyard Wonders follow a group of “misfits” who have been placed in the “junkyard class” at school. While facing adversity, they learn to embrace their unique genius’ with the help of their teacher.
Why I Love it For the Classroom
With themes like acceptance, self-discovery, empathy, inclusion, and diversity, this book firmly places itself on my list of necessary classroom read alouds.
The Junkyard Wonders is especially impactful if you have students in your class who have unique differences. Patricia transfers to a new school and is devastated to find out that she has been assigned to a classroom of students who are referred to by all as the “junkyard” class. Self-conscious about her own journey with dyslexia, Patricia feels insecure to be placed in a classroom with students who have obvious differences. With time and the help of a wonderful teacher, the students begin to view their differences as their “genius'”.
My students are always excited to share what makes them unique after we read this story. The way The Junkyard Wonders draws a hard line against bullying, builds empathy as we see the effect that teasing has the class.
This beautiful story is well equipped to help you set the tone for a positive classroom community. It’s on the longer side, so allow ample time for reading and discussion.
Discussion Questions for the classroom
Why does Mrs. Peterson compare their class to a junkyard?
Make a 3 column chart with the students’ names in the first column. What others thought about them in the second column. And what their genius was in the third column (What made them special).
What makes you different/special? Has anyone ever treated you in an unkind way because of this difference?
Why do you think Polacco wrote this book? What message was she trying to tell?
Themes:
- Self-Acceptance
- Diversity
- Empathy
- Inclusion
- Anti-Bullying
- Perseverance
The Final Word:
It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve read this story. I will always get emotional at the beautiful and unexpected afterward in this story. This book always sparks some of the best classroom discussions, and holds an extra special spot in my heart.
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