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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
Micah is looking for the miracle that will keep his grandfather alive despite his declining health, so he and his friend Becky seek out the Lightbender from the Circus Mirandus. The magic and reality they find along the way are fascinating in equal measure. The miracle they find, however, is not the one they expected.
Grandpa Ephraim has been telling Micah stories of Circus Mirandus since he was a small child. It is the story of a circus that is so magical that adults cannot find it, only children who need to. You can’t get in without a ticket, but you never know what form that ticket will take. Once inside, you get to see acts like a flying birdwoman and a man who creates entire worlds in seconds. But now Grandpa Ephraim is sick and probably dying. Micah’s great-aunt Gertrudis has arrived to take care of both of them and that means no disturbing his grandfather and no talk of magic at all. When a talking and thinking parrot appears, Micah knows that the circus is real and then finds out that the most powerful man at the circus promised his grandfather a miracle that his grandfather saved. Now Micah knows exactly how to save his grandfather. He has to find the circus and use that miracle to stop him from dying and he has to do it quickly!
Beasley has written a terrific read one that nods to books like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in the way that an entire magical world is placed adjacent to our own, one that is just close enough to glimpse at times. She has also created a book which while it pays homage to classic children’s literature also modernizes it and mixes in magic too. The story arc works particularly well here, built on a strong tale that is filled with marvelous and amazing creatures and beings. The result is a book that is very readable and one where you aren’t quite sure what’s going to happen next, in the best possible way.
Micah is a very likable protagonist. He struggles to make friends and when he does their friendship takes time to grow. It feels very organic and the two of them are not natural friends who see the world the same way. Instead it is much more like making a real friend where it is the willingness to be friends that makes a huge difference and a decision to stop arguing when you don’t agree. It is these parts of the book that are so realistic, where the relationships shine, that make the book as strong as it is. Without these clever human elements the book would be too frothy and light. These keep it grounded and real.
A magical book filled with real people alongside the mystical ones, this book for young readers will be enjoyed almost as much as a visit to Circus Mirandus itself. Appropriate for ages 9-12.
Beasley has written a terrific read one that nods to books like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in the way that an entire magical world is placed adjacent to our own, one that is just close enough to glimpse at times. She has also created a book which while it pays homage to classic children’s literature also modernizes it and mixes in magic too. The story arc works particularly well here, built on a strong tale that is filled with marvelous and amazing creatures and beings. The result is a book that is very readable and one where you aren’t quite sure what’s going to happen next, in the best possible way.
Micah is a very likable protagonist. He struggles to make friends and when he does their friendship takes time to grow. It feels very organic and the two of them are not natural friends who see the world the same way. Instead it is much more like making a real friend where it is the willingness to be friends that makes a huge difference and a decision to stop arguing when you don’t agree. It is these parts of the book that are so realistic, where the relationships shine, that make the book as strong as it is. Without these clever human elements the book would be too frothy and light. These keep it grounded and real.
A magical book filled with real people alongside the mystical ones, this book for young readers will be enjoyed almost as much as a visit to Circus Mirandus itself. Appropriate for ages 9-12.
Lovely
This is a lovely story about magic, friendship, and faith in what you know to be true. A very sweet story.
This is a lovely story about magic, friendship, and faith in what you know to be true. A very sweet story.
I'm super late to the party, but I really enjoyed this story; between the friendship, the magical knots, the miracles and the circus straight out of my childhood dreams, it was a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a truly delightful Middle Grade read! Both Micah and Jenny were adorable and I loved their friendship; two little odd balls in different ways, but the friendship felt natural. I was surprised at how dark this book was, but in a good way. I love it when a book for young readers doesn't try to talk down to them or pretends like nothing bad ever happens in the world. Circus Mirandus is all about finding the magic in this messed up world.
I do wish the actual magical elements were explored more deeply. We saw a lot of the What and glimpsed a little bit of the Why, but I would have liked to see more of the How and how that informs the Why. I'm hopeful that the sequel will delve into that more.
Overall, a quick and entertaining read.
(I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
I do wish the actual magical elements were explored more deeply. We saw a lot of the What and glimpsed a little bit of the Why, but I would have liked to see more of the How and how that informs the Why. I'm hopeful that the sequel will delve into that more.
Overall, a quick and entertaining read.
(I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
A good miracle, but not the miracle I was expecting.
There's something magical about the circus, but Circus Mirandus actually IS magic. Mirandus Head's traveling circus has it all: an Amazonian bird woman, an invisible tiger, and the Man Who Bends Light. When Ephraim visits the circus while his father is away at war, the Man Who Bends Light offers Ephraim a miracle. Micah has grown up on stories Grandpa Ephraim has told him about Circus Mirandus. When Grandpa Ephraim falls ill, he contacts the Lightbender to cash in that miracle.
This book is enchanting. I don't read a lot of middle grade books, but when I read the premise of Cassie Beasley's debut novel, I was excited for the chance to read it. I did get this book free in exchange for an honest review, and I honestly adored it. I can't wait to share this world with the kids in my life!
This book is enchanting. I don't read a lot of middle grade books, but when I read the premise of Cassie Beasley's debut novel, I was excited for the chance to read it. I did get this book free in exchange for an honest review, and I honestly adored it. I can't wait to share this world with the kids in my life!