Bringing Ezra Back

Set in 1840, Nathan travels from his Ohio home to Pennsylvania to find his friend Ezra, who has been captured and displayed as a 'Wild Boy' in a traveling circus. Nathan must navigate the wilderness and find the courage to confront the circus owners to bring Ezra home. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals directly with the exploitation and mistreatment of people perceived as 'different.' The approach is secular and historical, showing the harsh realities of 19th-century attitudes toward mental and physical differences. The resolution is hopeful and grounded in justice. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a sense of loss and urgency, building through a tense and often lonely journey. It peaks during the confrontation at the circus and ends with a cathartic, heartwarming return to safety and belonging. IDEAL READER: A 10-year-old reader who enjoys survival stories and is beginning to develop a strong sense of moral justice. It is perfect for the child who values deep, quiet friendships over flashy social circles. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might choose this after seeing their child witness bullying or seeing their child struggle with the fear of 'doing the right thing' when it is difficult. PARENT PREP: Parents may want to discuss the historical context of 'freak shows' and circus exploitation to help children understand why Ezra was in danger. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers (9) will focus on the survival elements and the 'scary' circus villains. Older readers (12) will better grasp the nuanced themes of human dignity and the internal growth Nathan undergoes. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many frontier stories that focus on man vs. nature, this book focuses on the moral grit required to save a peer from human cruelty.