Author: Patricia Polacco

Grades: Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd

Synopsis: There’s nothing worse than a rotten redheaded older brother who can do everything you can do better! Patricia’s brother Richard could run the fastest, climb the highest, and spit the farthest and still smile his extra-rotten, greeny-toothed, weasel-eyed grin. But when little Patricia wishes on a shooting star that she could do something—anything—to show him up, she finds out just what wishes—and rotten redheaded older brothers—can really do. Her brother ends up taking care of her after she falls off a carousel, causing Patricia to finally appreciate her older brother.

Debrief Questions:

• Why is Patricia angry at her older brother in the beginning of the book?
• What did Patricia wish for on the shooting star? Did her wish come true?
• What is a special talent that you have? Is it okay for everyone to have different talents?