There are cats in this book by Viviane Schwarz is a cute picture books with lots of opportunity for reader interaction. So far, the students have enjoyed hearing it read aloud.
The Year the Swallows Came Early by Kathryn Fitzmaurice is a middle grade novel set in San Juan Capistrano, where the swallows return each spring. Groovy Robinson's eleven years old when things start to fall apart - beginning with her father's arrest after her mother turns him into the police for taking all of Groovy's money she inherited from her great aunt. This book shows how families come together and to continue to have hope, something the swallows return each spring seems to bring.
Today the fifth grade visited the Waterloo Public Library to hear Gennifer Choldenko, author of Al Capone Does My Shirts, speak. Choldenko captivated her audience with her knowledge of Alcatraz and Al Capone. She also shared with us her experiences as a writer and how she achieved success. You can visit Ms. Choldenko's website here.
