In this inspiring true story, beloved artist Patricia Polacco conquers her fear of public speaking, allowing her to discover her remarkable voice. A wonderful companion to Thank You, Mr. Falker and The Art of Miss Chew, it celebrates the lifelong impact of a great teacher.
Speaking in front of an audience terrifies Trisha. Ending up in Mr. Wayne’s drama class is the last thing she wants! But Mr. Wayne gives her a backstage role painting scenery for the winter play. As she paints, she listens to the cast rehearse, memorizing their lines without even realizing it. Then, days before opening night, the lead actress suddenly moves away, and Trisha is the only other person who knows her part. Will the play have to be canceled? It won’t be an easy road—when Trisha tries to recite the lines in front of the cast, nothing comes out! But Mr. Wayne won’t let her give up, and with his coaching, Trisha is able to become one of his true masterpieces.
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
Story about how anyone can succeed with the right tools
By Sunshine on A Rainy Day
This book is about a girl who is shy about public speaking. Her teacher signs her up for drama class where she learns drama skills. Eventually she becomes the star and goes on stage where she performs beautifully.This is a wonderful story about how a person can succeed with the right tools. I think it would be perfect for the school age group since the story is long and the vocabulary at times is large.Four instead of five stars because for me the illustrations carry at least 75% of a story. A story can be badly written but beautiful illustrations can carry it along. I found the illustrations in Polacco's, Fiona's Lace, to be interesting and appropriate for a historical fiction story. But the illustrations in this story, especially towards the end, were over shaded and muddied. Not every page looks as clear as the cover illustration.With that said, the story is still something children could learn from and enjoy.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
I LOVE PATRICIA POLANCCO and she has outdone herself with this ...
By tara warren
I LOVE PATRICIA POLANCCO and she has outdone herself with this one! This book is about the transformation of a shy student into a self-confident, actor ready to take on a play. I love the way the teacher coaches the student, along with her peers and helps bring the best out in the actor. It was a great story to share with my students, especially the two really shy girls I have in my class this year.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful.True story with inspiring text and beautiful illustrations
By Denis Vukosav
‘Mr. Wayne's Masterpiece’ written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco is an interesting book for children that deals with known fear of many kids or even adult people - fear of public speaking in front of audience.Because main character of this story, young shy girl named Patricia is afraid to read her literary work in front of her English class, her teacher Mr. Wayne's will try to help her to get rid of her fear and start believing in herself.Patricia will be invited to join Mr. Wayne's drama class where she will become part of many entertaining activities which in the end will result in her getting strength and courage to overcome her fears and eventually write a book you are reading…‘Mr. Wayne's Masterpiece’ is a story based on actual events from author’s life and one great drama teacher who helped young girl change her life for better.Given that this is a true story which with inspiring text offers beautiful illustrations and will surely inspire many, this warm story I can certainly recommend in order for every kid and even young person to realize that they have the courage in themselves to change.
