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When Lightning Comes in a Jar is about a special familiy reunion Polacco remembers from her childhood. She recalls the stories "Gramma" and her grandmother's sisters told of their youth, the fun of playing baseball and croquet with the extended family, and eating specialties like Jell-O desserts and meatloaf. At this particular reunion Gramma teaches the youngsters how to catch lightning bugs in jars. What fun they had!
The story then skips to the present. Patricia is preparing for another family reunion, this time to be held at her house. (The back flap tells you it has been 41 years since the last reunion.) Though "Gramma" and her sisters, and Patricia's father are all gone, there are still Jell-O desserts, meatloaf, and games on the lawn. And there is a new generation of children to teach the secrets of how to put lightning in a Jar.
I can't say I've read all Polacco's books, but of the ones I have I can say they are truly heart warming and thoughtful. (The one exception would be The Graves Family Goes Camping which is a little odd - reminicient of the Adam's Family.) The stories are usually based on some family happening which she converts into books with lovely illustrations and heart-warming messages. They make me think of Jill Novak and the message she is getting out through The Gift of Family Writing.
Other Polacco books I can recommend are:
Christmas Tapestry (Not based on a personal family story, but poignant Christmas story all the same.)
I'm still reading and will keep you posted!
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• Oct. 17, 2006 - Untitled Comment