Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE ART OF MISS CHEW

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THE ART OF MISS CHEW

Patricia Polacco

Trisha is told she’s wasting time on art, but is that so? (Ages 5 to 8)

Ages 6+Source checked

Why this age? The story deals with themes of learning difficulties, academic pressure, and school life, which are relatable and accessible for early elementary school-aged children. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

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At a glance

Recommended age6+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Educational value4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

The story is not scary.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

The child perseveres through discouragement and learning difficulties, showing emotional rather than physical bravery.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Art and creative expression are central, affirming imagination and visual strengths as meaningful forms of achievement.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The story positively represents a child with dyslexia and values different ways of learning and expressing ability.

Educational value4/5
Why this rating?

A moving story that helps children understand dyslexia, learning differences, art, and how encouraging teachers can help students thrive.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Empathy, encouragement, mentoring, and compassionate teaching are central to the story.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strongly encourages perseverance, self-belief, respecting different learning needs, and recognizing children's individual strengths.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Miss Chew is an unusually supportive teacher, and the child's growth models persistence and accepting help.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in THE ART OF MISS CHEW would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE ART OF MISS CHEW, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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