Book Recommendations

I've started a new page for book recommendations.  Once upon a time (not that long ago), I received my BA in English.  Being an avid reader all of my life, I have never been able to get enough books, there just isn't enough time in the day.  Luckily my love for children's and young adult literature has stayed with me throughout the years, and I am now in a job that capitalizes on my love of books.

Throughout my time on this blog I will be compiling book recommendations, ranging from what we are reading in the classroom, books I have already read, books I am currently reading.  It is my goal to branch out and grab recommendations from students, peers, and other teachers in order to present a wide range of interest and scope.

Not only will I be posting recommendations and updates regularly to this site, but I will be creating a complete compendium  of titles over on my Book Recommendations page.

First up is:

Catwings 
Ursula K. Le Guine (Author); S. D. Schindler (Illustrator)  

(Age Range: 4 and up)

This is the first book in a series by the prolific writer Ursula K. Le Guine (winner of five Hugo Awards and six Nebula Awards). With gorgeous illustrations and simple yet rich prose, this book is a fantastic read aloud (my students were enthralled). There are four books total (the whole series comes in at around 200 pages total) and all are worth a read aloud (or for an independent reader). 

Amazon.com description: Mrs. Jane Tabby cannot explain why all four of her kittens were born with wings. But when life on the city streets becomes too dangerous, it is clear that her dream for her children might some day come true. They can fly away from the city slums of their birth. And one day, they do. But not even their mother could have foreseen the hazards of country living.