Patricia Polacco has been cranking out wonderful picture books based on personal stories for years.  An A From Miss Keller is an account of her own experience in school with a writing teacher nicknamed ‘Killer Keller’ because of her high, strict standards. Patricia works hard to achieve a coveted A grade from Miss Keller, but doesn’t seem to move past her regular C.  Patricia has an elderly neighbor whom she calls Pop who listens and gives her sage advice.  For her most important homework writing assignment, Patricia must write a personal narrative, but it isn’t until Pop suddenly dies that she is able to express her true feelings.  Miss Keller gave great exercises in using descriptive language and let her students know that she believed in them and that they had the ability within them to write great things.  This is such a touching story and shows how a really good teacher can inspire and draw work from her students.  If only there were more Miss Kellers around today.  This is a must purchase for both elementary and middle school libraries as well as any writing teacher.