The Class with Wings - by Paul Fleischman (Hardcover)

About the Book

"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."-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

In this expertly crafted story from Newbery Medal-winning author Paul Fleischman, a fourth-grade class takes the journey of a lifetime from the comfort of their own classroom as they follow the flightpath of a small (but mighty) bird--with full-color illustrations by 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.

In this transcendent picture book, Newberry Medal-winning author Paul Fleischman weaves together a story rich with information, connection, and empathy.

Review Quotes

***STARRED REVIEW***
"The educator's success at bringing the migration to life, the children's excitement, and Salyer's artwork combine affectingly in this quietly informative interspecies adventure."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"Matter-of-fact text pairs well with dreamy illustrations that illuminate the students' thoughts...A visually stirring guide to empathizing with the natural world"-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Students and teachers alike will be inspired by Ms. Lee and her compassionate approach to fostering curiosity and empathy through nature. Salyer, who gracefully depicts the birds soaring, captures both their movement and students' imaginations with beguiling patterns in a palette of rich azure, warm teal, and eye-popping copper tones."-- "Horn Book Magazine"

About the Author

Paul Fleischman is a Newbery Medal-winning author of over 50 books for both children and young adults. He has also received an additional Newbery Honor, National Book Award nomination, California Young Reader Medal, Boston Globe-Horn Book Award honors, and an international Hans Christian Anderson Award for his body of work. He lives in Monterey with his wife and has had a lifelong obsession with birds. Hannah Salyer's deep fascination with the natural world was fostered while growing up on the East Coast of the US. Her books have garnered starred reviews and Junior Library Guild selections, and in 2023 she was chosen to be a Sendak Fellow. She cherishes any opportunity to make art about the lives and experiences of other creatures with whom we share our planet. She currently lives in Brooklyn with her partner and their three cats.