  | Long road to the circus Author: Bird, Betsy | |
| Price: $21.88 | ||
Summary:
Twelve-year-old Suzy Bowles dreams of life outside the small town of Burr Oak, Michigan, but when she stumbles on the opportunity to learn ostrich-riding with the infamous Madame Marantette her obligations to her family on the farm threaten to derail her dreams of a bigger life.
| Illustrator: | Small, David |
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 5.40 Points: 7.0 Quiz: 512797 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (09/01/21)
Booklist (09/15/21)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/07/21)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 09/15/2021 The close-knit Burr Oak community is difficult to escape; almost no one leaves the rural Michigan neighborhood, and those who do leave eventually return, like Suzy’s wayward uncle Fred. Twelve-year-old Suzy loves her deeply rooted family and friends, but she secretly dreams of setting off to see the world. After noticing her uncle’s frequent absences from their farm and tailing him at sunrise, Suzy is astonished to discover that he’s been working for a local circus legend, the extraordinary Madame Marantette—and with her flock of ostriches! Suzy begs to be included, and as her relationship with Madame Marantette deepens, Suzy wonders if her new human (and feathered) friends may be a ticket to a different kind of life. The sunny story seems delightfully far-fetched, but Madame Marantette was a real person (ostrich photos are included), and Bud, her horse trainer, is a fascinating amalgamation of her actual trainer and a successful Black jockey. This unconventional tale is a hoot and an encouraging call to live an adventurous life on one’s own terms. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.
