Woodsdale Teacher Pens Children’s Book About W.Va.’s Special Features
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WHEELING - A Woodsdale Elementary School teacher has penned a tale to introduce West Virginia's children to special places around the Mountain State.
Addie Boggs has written "The Wonderfully Wild Ones" - which is illustrated by Ashley Belote, who is also a West Virginia native.
The book begins at Oglebay Park's Good Zoo, from where three lions escape to go on an adventure throughout West Virginia. They visit such places as Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, Marshall University, the New River Gorge Bridge and Coopers Rock State Forest.
Along the way, they even eat a few pepperoni rolls and take a ride on the Cass Scenic Railroad, according to Boggs.
The book includes "A Wonderfully Wild Bucket List" of activities for children to do in West Virginia. This includes visiting a waterfall, enjoying a winter sport, going on a trail ride or visiting an historic town such as Harpers Ferry.
"I grew up in West Virginia, in Wheeling," Boggs said. "Like most people growing up in West Virginia, I thought the state was boring."
Her thoughts changed, however, just prior to her start as a freshman at West Virginia University in 2012. She participated in Adventure WV, a WVU program that offers students a chance to experience camping, whitewater rafting and aerial adventures throughout the state.
"That was when I got to see what West Virginia has to offer, and how unique it is. It changed my perspective," she said. "The book highlights some of the unique aspects of the state.
"It looks at some of the state's landmarks and geography, and seeks to build an appreciation for West Virginia at a younger age."
Boggs noted that one of the hurdles the state faces with population retention is "getting the young people more vested in taking ownership in our state."
Boggs has been a special education teacher at Woodsdale Elementary for seven years. She now is being recommended to take over as media teacher at the school following the retirement of Sandra Wiseman.
Her transfer to the new position is on the list of personnel requests to be considered by Ohio County Board of Education members when they meet at 6 p.m. Monday in the board office, 2203 National Road, Elm Grove.
"I always said if I ever left being a special education teacher, it would be to become a media teacher," Boggs said.
She said she is currently out of books, but that copies of "The Wonderfully Wild Ones" will be available through her and local bookstores soon. She plans to have some book signings in the fall.