The Secret of Sondra Byer's Second Grade Class

by Susan Schwartz

The enigmatic Ms. Sondra Byer returns to Cory Hall every five years to teach one lucky group of second grade students, before disappearing again, leaving magic and mystery in her wake. When the longed-for letter arrives on crisp, white school stationary announcing their placement in Ms. Byer's class, her students think they know what lies ahead, but none of them could have anticipated the enchantment that awaited... The Secret of Sondra Byer's Second Grade Class follows the adventures of a group of second grade students as they discover parts of the world, and parts of themselves, they never could have imagined. This imaginative read is perfect for anyone who recalls the wonder of a new school year...filled with possibilities...

64 pages, Paperback

Published August 4, 2020

Reviews

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I had such warm, fuzzy feelings reading this book, written by my cousin and based on my beautiful aunt, who we lost way too young due to ovarian cancer. I wish I had been one of the students in her class, as they all grew so much from her kind and graceful teaching. This is a story for all ages, full of imagination and wonder, and perfect for these times when we should all be working toward inclusion and looking through a social-justice lens. I loved watching the friendships build between the children, then getting to see them when they had grown up into adults. Beautifully written and completely heart-warming - go read it now!

[Children's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This book really brought me back to my years in elementary school. I’m sure we all have that one teacher that really clicked with you or managed to turn a class into a family. I know I do, it was my 7th grade teacher and I found myself thinking about him and my classmates the whole time I read this. As a teacher myself this book had extra special meaning to me, in fact I think it gave me a few classroom ideas 🤣 beautifully written with excellent characters, you actually kinda feel like part of the class. About a second grade teacher that famously comes back to teach at this school every five years. The rest of the time she’s mysteriously traveling the globe teaching other lucky kids and getting into adventures. I got a bit of a Harry Potter vibe at times in the way she presents her lessons, in a mysterious and larger than life way (although no wizards in this one 😃). Throughout the book you get to know her and the rest of the class really well. The thoroughly thought out lessons and magical ending make me want to read about this teacher in future books. Highly recommend this chapter book and am very happy to add it to my Children’s Bookshelf 👏

[Eric Dezenhall · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who ever loved a teacher and is nostalgic for innocent times when so much of life was about getting lost in imagination this book will kindle those memories and form new ones for children who enjoy living in their own heads. A Harry Potter style adventure for sweeter, gentler children and a great tribute from a daughter to her beloved mother, the teacher in the title.