It's veteran English teacher Brian Fitzgerald's dream come true, or as he called it, a "fall from the heavens."

An "angel," who wishes to remain anonymous, donated 1,189 books from her collection to the Wareham Education Association, Fitzgerald told the School Committee on May 9.

Fitzgerald said the donor is a former teacher and that the books are in pristine condition, ranging from Harry Potter to Ralph S. Mouse and authors like Beverly Cleary and Roald Dahl.

He anticipates the books can be used for students transitioning into middle school next year, especially those in younger grades who will be moved up to the middle school after Minot Forest Elementary is closed.

"[The book donor] wants them in the hands of children, not decorating shelves," Fitzgerald said.