2. Patricia Polacco Author Study http://www.patriciapolacco.com/index.htm

3. Title Date of Publication Thunder Cake 1990

4. Characters Patricia Babushka

5. Setting Michigan Grandma’s farm

6. Points of Rising Action Conflicts Peck Hen Kick Cow woods Resolutions She faces fears to get ingredients.

7. Main Conflict She is afraid of thunder. Climax & Main Resolution She makes a cake to face her fears Not afraid of thunder any more.

8. Theme You can overcome your fears.

9. Grandma’s Thunder Cake Cream together, one at a time 1 cup shortening 1 ¾ cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 eggs, separated (Blend yolks in. Beat whites until they are stiff, then fold in.) 1 cup cold water 1/3 cup pureed tomatoes Sift together: 2 ½ cups cake flour ½ cup dry cocoa 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt Mix dry mixture into creamy mixture. Bake in tow greased and floured 8 ½ - inch round pans at 350 degrees for 35 – 40 minutes. Frost with chocolate butter frosting. Top with strawberries.