Amanda Joins the Circus

Reach for this book when your child starts expressing a deep restlessness with their daily routine or begins making dramatic declarations about needing more freedom and excitement. It is a perfect choice for the middle-grade reader who feels misunderstood at home and dreams of a more glamorous or independent life elsewhere. The story follows Amanda, a young girl who decides to run away and join the circus, only to discover that the grass is not always greener on the other side of the big top. Through humor and relatable internal monologue, the book explores themes of self-identity, the reality of hard work, and the realization that home has its own quiet magic. It is a gentle, secular exploration of independence that helps children process feelings of boredom and the desire for autonomy without being overly didactic or heavy-handed. Parents will find it a helpful tool for opening conversations about what 'running away' really means and how to find excitement within their own world.