Circus Mirandus - Cassie Beasley
Do you believe in magic?
Micah Tuttle does.
Even though his awful Great-Aunt Gertrudis doesn’t approve, Micah believes in the stories his dying Grandpa Ephraim tells him of the magical Circus Mirandus: the invisible tiger guarding the gates, the beautiful flying birdwoman, and the magician more powerful than any other—the Man Who Bends Light. Finally, Grandpa Ephraim offers proof. The Circus is real. And the Lightbender owes Ephraim a miracle. With his friend Jenny Mendoza in tow, Micah sets out to find the Circus and the man he believes will save his grandfather.
The only problem is, the Lightbender doesn't want to keep his promise. And now it's up to Micah to get the miracle he came for.
~ Excert Taken from Amazon.ca
Micah Tuttle does.
Even though his awful Great-Aunt Gertrudis doesn’t approve, Micah believes in the stories his dying Grandpa Ephraim tells him of the magical Circus Mirandus: the invisible tiger guarding the gates, the beautiful flying birdwoman, and the magician more powerful than any other—the Man Who Bends Light. Finally, Grandpa Ephraim offers proof. The Circus is real. And the Lightbender owes Ephraim a miracle. With his friend Jenny Mendoza in tow, Micah sets out to find the Circus and the man he believes will save his grandfather.
The only problem is, the Lightbender doesn't want to keep his promise. And now it's up to Micah to get the miracle he came for.
~ Excert Taken from Amazon.ca
Themes: Magic, Friendship, Family, Loyalty, Hopes, Dream, Helping keep the Magic of childhood alive
Recommended Grades - Grades 4 to 7
"It is important, when you first see magic, to recognize it. You don't often get a second chance."
p. 34 - Circus Mirandus
Recommended Grades - Grades 4 to 7
"It is important, when you first see magic, to recognize it. You don't often get a second chance."
p. 34 - Circus Mirandus
Activities:
I was a huge fan of Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern because I love the idea that there is magic in the world. Circus Mirandus is the kid friendly version of that book. The writing and imagery are incredible, and I love how the characters are written and how they all relate to one another.
Excellent as a read aloud or independent novel study
Fantastic addition to Literature Circles:
I was a huge fan of Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern because I love the idea that there is magic in the world. Circus Mirandus is the kid friendly version of that book. The writing and imagery are incredible, and I love how the characters are written and how they all relate to one another.
Excellent as a read aloud or independent novel study
Fantastic addition to Literature Circles:
Magical
Matilda or Witches - Roald Dahl The Boundless - Kenneth Oppel Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children - Ransom Riggs Harry Potter - JK Rowling Jinx - Sage Blackwood A Snicker of Magic - Natalie Lloyd (I feature some ideas for using A Snicker of Magic in the classroom here, Circus Mirandus also appears on a different literature circle list with A Snicker of Magic) |
Crummy Circumstances - Get by With the help From your Friends
Flora and Ulysses - Kate Di Camillo Matilda or BFG - Roald Dahl |
* Your favourite novels that are plot driven and include Fantasy, Magic,
Questions and Activates:
- Sometimes I enjoy creating and sometimes I stumble upon already great resources. This Guide from Penguin is full of excellent ideas and links for this novel. It includes great before reading activities and mini-inquiry lessons while your read. It also has great activity suggestions for integrating technology.
- Quotes and Questions to prompt writing - again, I found these questions here - on Wild(er) About Reading website. I downloaded them out of One Drive to make them easier for you to access. - Her discussion questions are fantastic!
Design Your Own Circus - A great STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) Project
After / While reading this novel, have students work cooperatively to design their own circus.
Start by having students create a plan, then scale it up and build it. Challenge students to include moving parts!
Tie it back to Language arts at the end by also having the students come up with a marketing plan and an oral presentation to 'sell' their circus and present it to the world.
I strongly suggest that you brainstorm the criteria and expectations as a class, creating the rubric or marking format together.
A true cross-curricular activity!
Explore interactive Circus World (this is also a suggested pre-read activity from Penguin)
For additional ideas - read some of these fantastic picture books! - Picture Books about the Circus on Good Reads
Quipa- Great You Tube Lesson on the side.
Also check out these step by step instructions Make an Incan Quipu - Information about Incan Quipu, or This one where they spell it khipu! Teach Grade 7? Do an Inca Inquiry unit in Social Studies while reading this book! Other Inquiry and Exploration Connections ~Many of these are explored in the Guide from Penguin, but students could go more indepth later. Knot making and uses Bending Light Optical Illusions |
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