  | Orphan eleven Author: Choldenko, Gennifer | |
| Price: $6.50 | ||
Summary:
In 1939, after cruel treatment at her orphanage renders her mute, Lucy runs away and joins the circus, working with the elephants and unaware that the orphanage matrons are hunting for her.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 4.30 Points: 8.0 Quiz: 510532 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (03/01/20)
Booklist (04/15/20)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/06/20)
The Hornbook (00/05/20)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 04/15/2020 In 1939, life for orphans is bleak at the Home for Friendless Children, where 11-year-old Lucy Sauvé has adopted selective mutism to cope with harsh treatment from the matron and teachers. When left momentarily unattended during her outdoor chores, Lucy makes a run for it, along with the other three children working with her. After a couple of setbacks, the fugitives find refuge with Saachi’s Circus Spectacular. The catch? They must each find an apprenticeship with the circus if they wish to stay. This proves especially challenging for Lucy, who longs to work with the elephants but is required to speak to do so. Her struggle to reclaim her voice is intercut with letters to the orphanage from her older sister, Dilly, who is frantically trying to locate Lucy. Choldenko fills her narrative with authentic circus lingo and well-researched historical tidbits—explicated in an author’s note—that make Lucy’s journey ring true. This story of friendship, inner strength, and family comes in an adventurous package that will appeal to readers of realistic fiction. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.
Booklist - 04/15/2020 - Copyright 2020 Booklist.
