Beasley, Cassie Circus
Mirandus 292 pgs, Dial
(Penguin); 2015. $18.00 Content:
Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G Violence: G
Micah is being raised by his grandpa Ephraim, and thanks to this has
always believed in magic. Grandpa has stories of a magical circus and the adventures
he had there as a child. Now that Grandpa is maybe dying, things for Micah have
changed, and his dreaded Aunt Gertrudis is “taking care” of them. Grandpa tells
Micah that he is owed a favor by one of the circus performers, the Lightbender,
and that it has come time to collect on it. Micah pins his hopes that this will
be what it takes to keep his beloved Grandpa alive and return to their joyous
life together. With the help of a new friend, Micah tries to find the circus
and make sure that promise is kept.
Ok, I am going to admit straight off. This book made me cry, in
a good way, it’s a wonderful book. Its utterly enchanting and charming. The
magical element is approached in a very believable way, and you find yourself
as desperate as the main character to find magical help. I love the character
development and the natural friendship between Micah and his new friend. The illustrations
are fascinating. Why then, did I not rate it as Essential? I find myself
questioning whether elementary students will find common ground with the main
characters situation and the longer length of the book.
EL -ADVISABLE Reviewer:
Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
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