For children feeling alone or underestimated, this tale follows a brave orphan girl disguised as a boy, finding strength and surprising connections amidst a cruel flea circus.
A parent might reach for this book when their child feels underestimated, powerless, or is facing a situation that feels unfair. Set in a bleak, historical past, this story follows Kit, a resourceful orphan girl who disguises herself as a boy to survive. She finds work in a traveling flea circus run by a cruel master, but her inner strength, intelligence, and kindness help her forge a friendship and find a path to a better life. The book beautifully explores themes of resilience, bravery in the face of fear, and the power of finding your own family. It’s a wonderful choice for early elementary readers to see how cleverness and courage can overcome even the most daunting circumstances.
The book directly addresses themes of poverty, orphanhood, and child exploitation. The antagonist is verbally abusive and neglectful, which is portrayed directly but without graphic detail. Kit's gender disguise is a central plot point, handled as a practical necessity for survival. The resolution is entirely hopeful, as the children escape their abuser and form a chosen family, emphasizing empowerment and mutual support in a secular context.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for an empathetic 7 or 8-year-old who is beginning to grapple with concepts of fairness and injustice. It would resonate with a child who feels small, overlooked, or is dealing with a difficult peer or adult, offering a model of quiet strength, cleverness, and resilience. It's also an excellent introduction to historical fiction for this age group.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared for the depiction of a cruel adult. Professor Malefetta is consistently mean, which may be upsetting for more sensitive children. It would be beneficial to provide some historical context beforehand, explaining that life for children in the past was often very different and much harder. Reading it together is recommended to discuss the characters' feelings and choices. A parent might be looking for this book after their child expresses feelings of powerlessness, saying things like, "It's not fair!" or "No one understands." It's for the moment when a child has been underestimated and the parent wants to show them that strength comes in many forms, not just physical size or a loud voice.
Age Experience
A younger reader (age 6) will likely focus on the adventure: the fun of the disguise, the novelty of a flea circus, and the excitement of the escape. An older reader (age 8) will better understand the emotional depth: the social injustice, the courage it takes to defy an adult, the importance of chosen family, and the subtle commentary on gender roles and opportunity.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many stories about perseverance, the unique setting of a Victorian-era flea circus makes it highly memorable. The protagonist's gender disguise is not a gimmick but a core element of her survival strategy, offering a nuanced look at social limitations. Emily Arnold McCully's Caldecott-winning illustration style provides a rich, atmospheric depth that conveys emotion and historical detail with great skill.
Read plot summary
In a setting reminiscent of Victorian England, a young, impoverished orphan girl named Kit disguises herself as a boy to secure a job. She is hired by the cruel Professor Malefetta to assist with his flea circus. Despite the harsh conditions and the professor's mean-spirited nature, Kit demonstrates diligence and kindness. She befriends another child, Pip, and with the help of the gentle woman who cares for the fleas, they plan their escape to a new, more hopeful life together.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Kit had to pretend to be a boy to get a job. Why do you think things were different for boys and girls back then? Do you think her plan was brave?
2
Professor Malefetta was very unkind. How did Kit and Pip find the courage to stand up to him and plan their escape?
3
Madame, the woman who cared for the fleas, helped Kit by being kind in small ways. What are some small, kind things we can do for people who are having a hard time?
4
At the end of the story, Kit, Pip, and Madame form a new family. What do you think makes a group of people a family?
5
The fleas are tiny, but they are the stars of the circus. In what ways was Kit like one of the fleas?
