Scan barcode
maryhannawilson's review against another edition
5.0
Lucy and three other orphans have run away from the Home for Friendless Children. Together, they find an opportunity at a traveling circus where Lucy discovers a love for the elephants. Unfortunately, unless Lucy finally talks again, she might not be hired. In the meantime, people are searching desperately for Lucy and she doesn't know why they won't just let her leave.
This book was more of a page-turner than I anticipated. I absolutely adored Lucy and was desperately curious to know the outcome of her situation. She is a strong and likable character right from the story. As a reader, I was definitely cheering for her. All of the orphans are well-defined and mostly likable other than Bald Doris, but she is designed to be a character you like to dislike.
I particularly loved the theme of finding your voice as Lucy struggles to find the courage to use her actual voice again. The historical circus setting adds an element of wild fun to the story and the performers are a unique bunch. The author weaves in several historical details in this story and I appreciated this glimpse into the past.
NOTES: This is a great middle school read that might be intense for younger children because of the harsh treatment of the orphans, specifically the testing Lucy was involved in.
This book was more of a page-turner than I anticipated. I absolutely adored Lucy and was desperately curious to know the outcome of her situation. She is a strong and likable character right from the story. As a reader, I was definitely cheering for her. All of the orphans are well-defined and mostly likable other than Bald Doris, but she is designed to be a character you like to dislike.
I particularly loved the theme of finding your voice as Lucy struggles to find the courage to use her actual voice again. The historical circus setting adds an element of wild fun to the story and the performers are a unique bunch. The author weaves in several historical details in this story and I appreciated this glimpse into the past.
NOTES: This is a great middle school read that might be intense for younger children because of the harsh treatment of the orphans, specifically the testing Lucy was involved in.
scoutabout's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
medium-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
4.25
naomiysl's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A solidly written orphan joins the circus story, with a suitably evil orphanage director. I enjoyed it!
juani's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
catsloverain's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
jengennari's review against another edition
5.0
What a wonderful page-turning read! From Lucy to Bald Doris to the home for Friendless Children to the people of the circus, Choldenko nails the adventure and drama of the 1930s circus life and cruel psychological "studies" that were once done on human subjects. There is so much to love here -- from the elephants to Nico and dear Dilly, who never gives up looking for her sister.
This feels like a classic that kids will love!
This feels like a classic that kids will love!
kelly_lyn_yt's review against another edition
4.0
Had no idea that the studies involving orphans and inducing stutters were a real thing. Also love that a portion of the sales of this book will go to savetheelephants.org!
mpevans0517's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars rounded up. Very cute. But very short. Even for a juvenile chapter book I felt like it began and ended so quickly!
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.