The Schooling of Claybird Catts

Ever wonder what it takes to find your place in a world that seems determined to cast you out? Discover how a young boy, abandoned and adrift, can forge his own destiny and a sense of belonging against all odds, armed with nothing but grit and an unconventional family. You'll follow the journey of Claybird Catts through the vibrant, tumultuous landscape of the American South. This sweeping saga reveals the profound power of found family, the sting of first love, and the enduring strength required to overcome loss. Learn how to navigate life’s harshest lessons and build a life rich with meaning, even when you start with nothing.

Janis Owens is a Kirkus Prize-nominated novelist and food writer celebrated for her authentic portrayals of the American South and its rich, complicated storytelling traditions. A fifth-generation Floridian who grew up in a family of raconteurs, she draws from her deep-rooted heritage to craft unforgettable characters and vivid landscapes. Her work, steeped in the humor and pathos of Southern life, explores the universal themes of family, place, and the search for home, making her a defining voice in contemporary Southern literature.