About This Book
This gritty chapter book by Newbery Honor author Gary Paulsen follows a fifteen-year-old boy who flees his uncle's farm for the open road. He falls in with a farm gang, then is rescued by the enigmatic Tiltawhirl John, a carnie who teaches him the ropes of carnival life. The story explores themes of survival, freedom, and the harsh realities of the world, as the protagonist navigates the deceptive allure of the carnival and the constant threat of his past catching up. It's a compelling read for children aged 9-11, offering a look at difficult choices and resilience, despite the protagonist being older.
A fifteen-year-old runaway discovers that a carnival's razzle-dazzle doesn't shield it from the cruelties of life.
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Violence
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Scary Scenes
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Discussion Prompts
1
What does 'taking sides to survive' mean in this story? Have you ever felt like you had to choose between difficult options?
2
How does the carnival's 'razzle-dazzle' hide the 'cruelties of life'? What are some examples of this?
3
What qualities does the protagonist need to survive as a runaway and a carnie?
4
How does Tiltawhirl John help the protagonist, and what does he teach him about life?
5
What do you think the 'man from the past' represents, and why is he so hard to escape?
External Reviews
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