Paula's Patches -- Gabriella Aldeman, Hardcover

Problem-solver Paula patches her pants--and encourages her class to be resourceful, mend, and reuse.

Oh, no! While at school, Paula's pants catch on a bush that rips a large hole in her pants. She tries everything to hide the hole from her classmates, only to find out that they, too, have leaky lunchboxes, spaghetti stains, and hand-me-down backpacks. Nothing some colorful patches can't fix! Children will follow Paula as she feels embarrassed about her torn pants, curious about patches, and excited for a possible solution that helps both her and her classmates.

Paula's Patches can be used as a starting point for discussions of consumerism, throwaway culture, and fast fashion. At the back of the book, a section provides activities for children, including how to make their own patches, no-sew bookmarks, and fabric pouches.


Author: Gabriella Aldeman
Publisher: Free Spirit Publishing
Published: 07/11/2023
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 10.20h x 10.10w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781631987335
Audience: Ages 9-12

Review Citation(s):
Booklist 06/01/2023 pg. 92
Publishers Weekly 07/03/2023
Foreword 06/27/2023

About the Author
Gabriella Aldeman is a Panamanian American author. She writes picture books in hopes that more children become readers and that all readers feel seen. She is also a professional translator and holds degrees from Georgetown University and the College of William and Mary. Gabriella lives in Fairfax, Virginia, with her partner and two children. Please visit her at www.writebetween.com or @write_between on Twitter or Instagram.

Rocío Arreola Mendoza (aka Denarmen) is a freelance illustrator. She's co-founder of CúRCUMAS Creative Studio and currently lives in North Mexico. Visit her portfolio at denarmen.portfoliobox.net.