THE CLASS WITH WINGS, by Paul Fleischman and Hannah Salyer, Harry N. Abrams, Oct. 8, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Fourth-graders take the journey of a lifetime as they follow the flightpath of a small bird in The Class with Wings, by Paul Fleischman and Hannah Salyer.
Every afternoon with their heads down and eyes closed, a fourth-grade class embarks on an imaginative migration journey alongside the bird they are studying. Guided by the voice of their teacher in the cool sanctuary of the classroom, the students travel all the way from Brazil to their hometown in Wisconsin. Along the way, they encounter weather, predators, setbacks, and loss. As their imaginations soar, the children begin to relate with their subject; they, too, need rest; have a hard time holding still; and have dodged a bully or two. At the journey’s end, the class has learned much more than science and geography—they have learned to fly. —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams
Migration comes to life in The Class with Wings. As the children follow the birds’ path, they draw parallels to their own lives and realize how resilient they all are.
Newberry Medal–winning author Paul Fleischman’s text sets the stage for learning about connection and empathy. And Hannah Salyer’s imaginative illustrations are both magical and informative.
This book is a good choice for classrooms and will especially appeal to kids who are interested in birds.
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