STEP RIGHT UP FOR THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH!

Come one, come all and read something truly spectacular! Prepare to witness the Greatest Show on Earth in Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley with striking black-and-white illustrations by Diana Sudyka. Micah has grown up hearing his grandfather Ephraim spin some pretty amazing tales of his time spent at a magical circus when he was a young boy, and Micah is totally convinced that magic is real.

And now more than ever, with his beloved grandfather on his deathbed and his truly awful great-aunt stepping in to take care of him, is the time Micah needs a miracle to happen in order to cure the person he loves most in the world. What's more the Lightbender--the most powerful magician at Circus Mirandus--had promised Ephraim a miracle once upon a time, so what could possibly stop him from making Micah's grandfather well again? Unfortunately, something is preventing the magician from keeping his promise, but Micah refuses to take no for an answer and, with the help of his new friend Jenny, is determined to do anything it takes to get the Lightbender to grant the miracle he needs before it's too late.

With humor, heart, adventure, and more than a little magic, this captivating and poignant middle-grade fantasy will have readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.Best for readers in 5th to 8th grades.

THE MAGNIFICENT LIZZIE BROWN AND THE DEVIL'S HOUND

Lizzie Brown and the Penny Gaff Gang’s latest adventure takes place in Kensal Green, England.  After the traveling circus halts in rural England, it isn't long before the magnificent Lizzie Brown finds herself at the graves of the local cemetery. 

When one of the Sullivan twins get hurt during practice they meet Dr. Gladwell’s elderly housekeeper. Soon, strange activities begin occurring. As the performers practice for their upcoming shows, Lizzie’s premonitions get stronger.  Lizzie’s curiosity compels her to sneak around the cemetery to catch the grave-robbers and the devil’s hound.

Don’t be left out! Read The Magnificent Lizzie Brown and the Devil’s Hound by Vicki Lockwood and find out who’s behind the sinister robberies. Will Lizzie’s premonitions help save her life this time?

Ages 10-12

LAST YEAR'S 2013 NEWBERRY WINNER - A TALE TO REMEMBER

A circus owner adopts a young gorilla named Ivan as his house pet.  The owner dresses him, takes him shopping, and talks to him like one would talk to any member of the family.  Ivan grows up to be mellow, taking life as it comes.  Unfortunately, when Ivan becomes a large adolescent gorilla, he must move from his warm and cozy home into a cold and isolated glass cage at the circus.  Over the years, he gets to know other circus animals and finds comfort in their company.  All the animals, however, agree that there must be a better life outside of the circus.  When one of the main attraction animals falls fatally ill, Ivan masterfully thinks of a way to protect the animals, especially, the youngest one. 

Katherine Applegate, author of Home of the Brave, Animorphs, and Roscoe Riley series, writes a poignant and endearing tale about a gorilla whose heart matches its size.  Inspired by the real Ivan, this story is narrated in first person and will speak to any reader who values friendship, questions purpose, or loves animals. THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN is the 2013 Newbery Award Winner.  Available in book and audio CD format.



A TRUE STORY

When circus performer Luciano Anastasini had a terrible accident on the high wire it ended his career. Unwilling to leave the circus and the life he loved, he came up with an idea for a new act and another career was born. But before that could happen he knew that he would need some new partners which lead him on a search for some special dogs who as it turned out needed him just as badly.

Meet each of these very expressive dogs and learn not only their individual stories but how they worked together to become a team in Stay: The True Story of Ten Dogs by Michaela Muntean A perfect book for all dog lovers as it can be read by older readers and shared with younger ones. 

For kindergarten and much older.

A GIRL WITH A BEARD

In this world, it's not so uncommon for a girl to have a beard or someone to have a tail. Ghosts are to be expected. Psychics are a dime a dozen. In this collection of stories called SIDESHOW: TEN ORIGINAL TALES OF FREAKS, ILLUSIONISTS, AND OTHER MATTERS ODD AND MAGICAL, edited by Deborah Noyes, and featuring classic children's book authors such as Cecil Castellucci, Vivian Vande Velde, and Aimee Bender. The stories are quick and interesting to read, and the collection includes graphic narration as well. This book is a fascinating look into a mystical world of mutants and mind readers, and is great for 6th grade and up.