Invisible circus unveiled

Micah is determined to find a magician to save his grandfather.

Jennifer Minicus | Sep 13 2017 | comment

Circus Mirandusby Cassie Beasley
written for ages 9-12 | highly recommended
published in 2015 | Dial Books | 292 pages

Micah has lived with Grandpa Ephraim since his parents died – and that seems like forever. Now Grandpa Ephraim is dying, and his grouchy sister, Great-Aunt Gertrudis, has taken control of their home. She even regulates the time Micah can spend with Grandpa Ephraim. She does not want him telling Micah any more stories about Circus Mirandus.

Grandpa Ephraim discovered the magical Circus Mirandus when he was a boy. Micah cannot imagine ever seeing it for himself, and Aunt Gertrudis would certainly not approve. Grandpa Ephraim has other plans. The Lightbender promised him a miracle all those years ago. Young Ephraim decided to hold it in reserve at the time, and now he intends to claim it. A summons brings the Circus to town. Micah is sure the Lightbender can save his grandfather. With his friend Jenny, Micah tries his best to convince the Lightbender to help before Grandpa Ephraim’s time is up.

Cassie Beasley’s first novel is a touching story about sacrifice, love and friendship. Micah is devoted to his grandfather, willing to help him at any cost to himself. This trait is clearly one he inherited from Grandpa Ephraim, who chooses to forego his own desires for the sake of others. Over the years, Grandpa Ephraim has instilled in Micah a sense of loyalty and understanding and the capacity to see the “magic” in even the seemingly most insignificant talents. Micah’s relationship with his grandfather enables him to appreciate Jenny, in spite of her apparent shortcomings. It also gives him the courage to face unforeseen challenges and disappointments.

Note to parents: Jenny lies to her parents in order to get out of her house and help Micah. While this is a small incident, parents may want to discuss it with young readers.

Jennifer Minicus is a teacher living in Ridgewood, NJ.

September 13, 2017

Every huge disaster is followed by a huge fund-raising drive, especially in the United States. But who gives all this money? It turns out that the median donation is between US$50 and $100. Celebrities give, companies give, foundations give. But millions of little guys give too. Almost half of Americans gave money for disaster relief after Katrina and almost three-quarters donated after 9/11. We tend to complain about self-centredness and egotism in our culture. There's truth in that negative vision, but it clearly is not the whole truth. Read the full story here.