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alitza724's review against another edition
4.0
Set in 1939, Lucy and three other children escape the Home for Friendless Children. With the help of some kind, former orphans, the four find themselves searching for apprenticeships with a travelling circus. But Lucy is mute, and not speaking is not an option in circus work. Lucy used to speak and sing, so why won't she now? And why are the matrons of the orphanage so insistent on bringing her back, but not the others?
This mystery and Lucy's spirit made it hard for me to put this book down. The themes of love, family, friendship, loyalty, and resilience are heartwarming.
The trauma that Lucy suffers is based on experiments that were done on children in the 1930's and it's infuriating to think that children went through this. Choldenko appears to have done in her homework in researching the historical aspects of this novel.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for this review.
This mystery and Lucy's spirit made it hard for me to put this book down. The themes of love, family, friendship, loyalty, and resilience are heartwarming.
The trauma that Lucy suffers is based on experiments that were done on children in the 1930's and it's infuriating to think that children went through this. Choldenko appears to have done in her homework in researching the historical aspects of this novel.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for this review.
flordemaga's review against another edition
emotional
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
It goes too slow for my taste, and I suppose I learned that books about circuses aren't my thing. But the ending builds up the tension so masterfully, that I was able to finish it. And I liked the ending.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
popthebutterfly's review against another edition
4.0
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and the e-arc as well. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Orphan Eleven
Author: Gennifer Choldenko
Book Series: Standalone? Should be a series
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: (selective?) mute character and a stuttering character. Also a little person character
Recommended For...: running away to the circus, historical fiction, middle grade
Publication Date: May 26, 2020
Genre: MG Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 10+ (some scary events, child labor)
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books
Pages: 320
Synopsis: Four orphans have escaped from the Home for Friendless Children. One is Lucy, who used to talk and sing. No one knows why she doesn't speak anymore; silence is her protection.
The orphans find work and new friends at a traveling circus. Lucy loves caring for the elephants, but she must be able to speak to them, and to warn others of danger. If Lucy doesn't find her voice, she'll be left behind when the circus goes on the rails. Meanwhile, people are searching for Lucy, and her puzzling past is about to catch up with her.
Review: Overall, I thought this was a well done novel! I loved to see these children’s journey and their character development was very well done. The world building was marvelous and to my knowledge this book was well researched. The book also has an authentic voice, sounding like it is from the prospective of a middle grader.
My only issue is that I felt that the book didn’t have a lot of backstory for all of the characters and I would have liked some more. I also felt like in some spots the book was too slow and while I didn’t like how Jabo is referred to, it is historically accurate (but probably should have a blurb about so kids don’t use that to be unintentionally cruel to another little person).
Verdict: A well done middle grade novel! I highly recommend it!
Book: Orphan Eleven
Author: Gennifer Choldenko
Book Series: Standalone? Should be a series
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: (selective?) mute character and a stuttering character. Also a little person character
Recommended For...: running away to the circus, historical fiction, middle grade
Publication Date: May 26, 2020
Genre: MG Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 10+ (some scary events, child labor)
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books
Pages: 320
Synopsis: Four orphans have escaped from the Home for Friendless Children. One is Lucy, who used to talk and sing. No one knows why she doesn't speak anymore; silence is her protection.
The orphans find work and new friends at a traveling circus. Lucy loves caring for the elephants, but she must be able to speak to them, and to warn others of danger. If Lucy doesn't find her voice, she'll be left behind when the circus goes on the rails. Meanwhile, people are searching for Lucy, and her puzzling past is about to catch up with her.
Review: Overall, I thought this was a well done novel! I loved to see these children’s journey and their character development was very well done. The world building was marvelous and to my knowledge this book was well researched. The book also has an authentic voice, sounding like it is from the prospective of a middle grader.
My only issue is that I felt that the book didn’t have a lot of backstory for all of the characters and I would have liked some more. I also felt like in some spots the book was too slow and while I didn’t like how Jabo is referred to, it is historically accurate (but probably should have a blurb about so kids don’t use that to be unintentionally cruel to another little person).
Verdict: A well done middle grade novel! I highly recommend it!
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