Digital Spotlight: The Big Top Show

THE BIG TOP SHOW GOES ON is an oral history project focusing on the culture associated with the circus.

Contents: This oral history project was developed to preserve the voices associated with the tradition of the American “Big Top” circus. The collection contains interviews, video segments, classroom activities and additional resources.

Classroom Connections: Classroom activities aimed at grades four through six are available in the PDF format. Students will enjoy watching the videos associated with the project. The additional resources section contain an excellent set of links to extend the experience.

Featured Digital Objects:
Activities https://library.okstate.edu/…/circus/big-top-classroom-act…/
Popcorn the Circus Comic http://dc.library.okstate.edu/…/collect…/circus/id/212/rec/5
Videos https://library.okstate.edu/oralhis…/…/circus/big-top-videos

To visit the collection, go tohttps://library.okstate.edu/oralhistory/digital/circus/.

Book Review: Watch Out for Flying Kids

WATCH OUT FOR FLYING KIDS by Cynthia Levinson tells the true story of teen circus performers from varied backgrounds who come together to confront issues related to racism, tribalism, and other social obstacles.

Following nine circus performers in two different circuses, this fascinating work of nonfiction describes a unique arts education movement that brings together teens with varied backgrounds. The story is told chronologically over a ten year period ending in 2014.

The many photographs and other illustrations will draw student interest. Sidebars provide background information and insights into the book’s many interesting youth. Engaging section headings within the chapters reflect the thoughts of youth. The book includes a pronunciation guide, prologue, afterword, author’s note, and index in addition to the body of text.

Librarians will find the youth circus theme provides an fascinating context for exploration of social issues. Consider using this book as a focus point for a discussion of diversity. Combine this book along with others focusing on social issues as part of a nonfiction literature circle. Use maps along with other nonfiction books to help students understand issues related to racism and tribalism.

Published by Peachtree Publishers on September 1, 2015. Review copy courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Circus Mirandus

CIRCUS MIRANDUS by Cassie Beasley is a middle grade fantasy filled with mysterious magic and family secrets.

Micah grew up hearing his grandfather’s stories about a magical circus. Now on his death bed, Grandpa Ephraim is hoping to communicate with the Lightbender who promised him a miracle when he attended this circus long ago. Micah and his friend Jenny set out on a quest to find the circus and help Ephraim get his wish, but it won’t be easy with Great-Aunt Gertrudis’ interference.

Beasley does an exceptional job balancing a boy’s magical hopes with the reality of death. This story of faith and yearning is written in a way that middle grade readers will understand.

Librarians will want to market this book to middle grade readers who enjoy magical characters that bridge reality and fantasy. Reminiscent of A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd, pair it with other books that have roots in reality with a twist of magic. Or, add it to a display of books about the circus that also includes nonfiction works about circus life.

For the book website, go to http://www.circusmirandus.com/.

To learn more about the author, go to http://cassiebeasley.com/.

Published by Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin Group on June 2, 2015.