Written by Cassie Beasley
10 year old Micah has lived with his loving Grandpa Ephraim since his parents died when he was very young. They do everything together, yet one of Micah’s favorite times is listening to Grandpa’s stories about the magical Circus Mirandus. But then Grandpa becomes very ill and is dying. Cold and grouchy Great Aunt Gertrudis comes to take care of him. It is as if all the joy has left the earth “until Grandpa Ephraim finally tells him the truth: Circus Mirandus is real, and the Lightbender, the circus’s greatest magician, owes Ephraim a miracle. With his friend Jenny Mendoza in tow, Micah sets out to find the circus and the man he believes will save his grandfather.” (Book Jacket)
Circus Mirandus is a beautifully crafted tale filled with magical wonder and the awesome power love and friendship. The relationship between Grandpa and Micah will warm your heart. Jenny Mendoza is a true and loyal friend that will equally touch your heart. Circus Mirandus is filled with so many delightful and amazing characters. There are a few antagonists as well, but all together work wonders in this story. The descriptions of those characters as well as the settings are so vividly created; I felt I was watching a movie in my head while reading. This book brought me to tears at the end: some from sadness, but most from the joy of a fantastic story.
Review by Renee Larsen, Hillside Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3-6
Circus Mirandus
Written by Cassie Beasley
Dial Books for Young Readers
292 pages
Release Date: June 2, 2015
