Long Road to the Circus

Reach for this book when your child feels limited by their surroundings or expresses a restless desire to prove they are capable of more than people expect. It is a perfect fit for the dreamer who feels out of place in a conventional setting and needs to see that persistence pays off in the most unexpected ways. Twelve year old Suzy Bowles is tired of her quiet life in Burr Oak, Michigan, and dreams of joining the circus. When she discovers a legendary retired circus performer living nearby, she embarks on a humorous and determined journey to learn the impossible: how to ride an ostrich. Through Suzy's trials, the story explores themes of grit, the value of intergenerational mentorship, and the courage required to pursue a truly unique path. It is a lighthearted yet deeply empowering historical novel that celebrates the eccentricities that make us who we are.