Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley is a book that's been on my to read list forever. I was excited when I showed up on NetGalley, so that I could finally check it out. The circus is something that always mesmerizes me, and I was thrilled to check out this take on it. Micah's dying grandpa tells him about an amazing circus he attended as a kid. Now he wants Micah to have this experience to reconnect with the Man Who Bends Light. Micah sets out on a quest not knowing how he's ever going to find the circus and perhaps a cure for his grandpa with this man. The story is wonderfully told, and it tapped right into my imagination as I visualized the circus in my head! This is a story built on believing in magic and how that is something that can leave us and/or stay with us. I really liked how it was a quest grounded in commentary of how we choose to see the world.

Micah always believed in the stories his dying grandfather Ephraim had told him about the Circus Mirandus. It was full of magic and amazing acts, and his great aunt Gertrudis believes it's all nonsense to distract Micah from what is real. Ephraim wrote to the Man Who Bends Light, who still owes him a miracle, and Micah is determined to find the circus with his friend Jenny Mendoza to get that miracle for his grandfather.

We have the thread of Ephraim as a boy encountering the circus, then Micah in the present worrying over his grandfather's failing health. This is distracting him from his school project, and Jenny is eager to do research and rely on book knowledge. The pair of them see the talking parrot that is the Man Who Bends Light's messenger, and Jenny needs to invent various stories to make it a less magical event than it seems. She's almost too practical and scientific-minded for an eleven-year-old, but that makes her the perfect foil for Micah's unwavering belief in magic and the stories that Ephraim had told him. He sees his grandfather's gifts are amazing, as well as those at the circus, but Micah doesn't see that he has some talents of his own. As a result, he puts all of his hopes into the circus. The Man Who Bends Light is careful to promise only a miracle within his power, and the last section of the book deals with the consequences of that promise in a very realistic way. There are limits and costs to magic, and it doesn't solve every problem.

Gertrudis is unnecessarily cruel to Micah, and it's uncomfortable to read. She separates him from her brother when he clearly wants to visit with Ephraim, calls the things he believes in all sorts of names, and when they have a huge argument, essentially throws him out. At no point did she take the words back or soften the blow, and watched as he packed a bag, food and sleeping bag to stay in the treehouse in the yard. I know kids in fantasy stories need to have someone to push against to move them into action, I can't forgive this kind of behavior. There's an explanation for why she is so vehemently opposed to magic and the circus, but that's still no call for her to behave in that way.

I really enjoyed the ending to the novel, and that there is hope for the future after all. Because of that hope, there could possibly be more novels in this world, which I would really enjoy reading.

Note, this review ran in Mountain Times (Boone, N.C.) on Nov. 14:

“Circus Mirandus” and “The Bootlace Magician” by Cassie Beasley (Puffin Books/Dial Books)

The most wonderful books of our youth involve more than a bit of magic and an invitation for a select few believers to enter into a breathtaking adventure. Masters of the form — the likes of Roald Dahl, J.K. Rowling, J.R.R. Tolkien — made room in 2015 for Cassie Beasley and the publication of “Circus Mirandus.”

Republished in paperback in 2016, Beasley’s debut novel about a young boy, a dying grandfather and magical circus is making a current resurgence on the strength of the Oct. 1 publication of the story’s sequel, “The Bootlace Magician.”

In “Circus Mirandus” Beasley offers us, at the end of Chapter 19, one of the finest lines to be found in any novel for any age: “And finally, at long last, Micah stepped into his grandfather’s story.”

In “The Bootlace Magician” Beasley picks up the thread with the backstory, and introduces Micah as a magician in training, living and working at Circus Mirandus. You don’t have to read Beasley’s first to understand the second, but to experience the full magic you’ll want to read both in order of publication.

3.5 stars

This book surprised me big time. I wasn't expecting much from it, to be honest. I dived into it just wanted to pass my time. But it took only few pages for me to fell in love with Micah and Grandpa and the story itself.

This is a decent fantasy suitable for kids but even I, at age 27, was touched and enjoyed this gem. This is definitely one of those hidden gems of a book and in a genre I don't usually read. And by the way, while reading this, my little cousin, age 4 but acts like she's 7, kept on bothering me. I ended up reading to her some of the parts. I had to translate it to her too because of course she knows little English. We're Filipinas. :) She ended up liking the story and Micah. She's so into it, she kept asking lots of questions. I ended up bribing her with some ice cream so she wouldn't bother me. (yeah, yeah, I'm not exactly nice. lol.)

Anyway, the only reason I couldn't give this more than 3.5 stars is because I think the story still has a lot of potential. But overall, this book is a nice read.

This novel sucked me in and held me the entire book. I loved the magical and circus elements since children dream of running away and joining the circus. I also love that it didn't shy away from hard realities that a lot of children face like the death of a loved one and an uncaring guardian. I totally forgot I was reading a children's book. The best part was that my 10yo son heard my description of the book, picked it up, and finished it before I did! We are anxiously awaiting the sequel arriving at our local public library. I can't wait to see where the story goes!

I re-read this for a blog tour this year and it was every bit as wonderful as the first time I read it. Here is the review I posted:When Grandpa Ephraim Tuttle was a young boy, he skipped school and, hearing the sounds of pipes and drums, he followed the music and found himself at a magical circus. There, he saw many astounding things, but nothing compared to the wonderful round the world adventures the Man Who Bends Light sends him on.

But Ephraim was worried about his father, away fighting in a war, and just wants to see him again. The Lightbender grants his wish and Ephraim is able to spend some time with his father once again. As wonderful as seeing his dad is, Ephraim realizes that it is just an illusion and isn't real.

When the Lightbender talks to him after the show, Ephraim performs his own bit of magic - tying a knot he can make with his bootlace that even the great magician can't undo. Realizing that this young boy understands the power and the limit of magic, he grants him a miracle, a miracle Ephraim has never used until now.

Fifth grader Micah Tuttle has listened to his Grandpa Ephraim's stories about his boyhood adventures at the centuries old Circus Mirandus all his life, but he never thought for one moment any of it was real. At least not until Grandpa Ephraim becomes very ill. Now on his deathbed, Grandpa Ephraim writes a letter to the Man Who Bends Light to call in that miracle he was promised - a letter sent via Ms. Chintzy, the grumbling parrot circus messenger. Thinking the miracle may have something to do with Grandpa Ephraim's health, Micah decides he must figure out how to find Circus Mirandus and bring the Lightbender to his grandpa's bedside.

Of course, bringing the Lightbender home may be made more difficult because of the presence of magic-hating, Micah-disliking Great Aunt Gerturdis who has come to take care of Grandpa Ephraim, and who has virtually cut off Micah's contact with his grandpa.

Luckily, Micah has made a friend at school named Jenny Mendoza, a science-minded girl who has to be convinced that magic exists, but who is nevertheless totally impressed by Micah's own knot-tying skills that results in a very successful school project for the two of them.

Not sure how they would find the circus, one day Micah heard the call of the pipes and drums, he knows it is the same sound his Grandpa Ephraim had heard, because "the music that calls a person to magic is always the same." Sure enough, Circus Mirandus has arrived.

But when the Lightbender refuses to honor his promise to Grandpa Ephraim, it is up to Micah to try to change his mind. And along the way, Micah will uncover some family secrets that are tied to the circus, including the reason for Aunt Gertrudis's bitterness and her dislike of magic.

I don't like circuses at all and never read circus books, so how did I end up falling in love with Circus Mirandus. Perhaps that's part of the magic of the novel. I picked it up and didn't put it down till I had finished it and that almost never happens. And the name - who could resist a title that translates into a circus to be amazed at.

I loved the whole premise of the story that sometimes the power of magic and illusion can eclipse the power of science and reality, but only if you believe in it. And it's what makes Circus Mirandus so special, so magical. To begin with, only those children who believe in magic can see it, and it caters to them. It's purpose is "fighting to keep enchantment alive in the world" for the children. And Cassie Beasley has succeeded in doing just that with this utterly enchanting novel. And the story is only matched by her lovely, lyrical writing.

The characters are all well-fleshed out, their different personalities revealing where each has placed their faith: Micah and Grandpa Ephraim have plaed their faith in magic, Jenny with her faith in verifiable facts and science, and Aunt Gertrudis with her faith in harsh reality. Aunt Gertrudis will definitely conjured up memories of Miss Trunchbull from Roald Dahl's Matilda, acting as an outlet for all the reader's frustrations as Micah tries to help his grandpa, making it all that much easier to dislike her.

Circus Mirandus is an extraordinary coming of age debut novel about courage, faith, hope, family and friendship, but also about grief and loss. It is a story not be to missed.

And, remember, when you hear drums and pipes, you know that the circus has come to town - just follow the music to find it.

This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was an ARC received from the publisher

A bittersweet story of family, love between grandfather and grandson, magic, belief, friendship and the frustrating relationships we encounter through life, often with our own relatives. If you've recently lost someone, I'd heartily advise putting this book aside for a while. This story pulls on the heartstrings and doesn't let go. Not to say it is a completely sad tale, it's not. There are plenty of joyous and laugh out loud moments. I mean, there is this fantastic, wonderful circus at the heart of the story and all the creative characters within. A story worth reading together with your kids.

I don't even know where to start with this review. I finished a book this morning and had plans to jump into another when, on a whim, I started this one instead. I spent the entire reading it among other things because I just had to know where Micah's story went and follow the magic.

Circus Mirandus opens on a boy named Micah dealing with a sick grandpa and a crabby great-aunt. Grandpa Ephraim is basically his best friend, his father figure and the man he looks up to most in the world and for reasons we don't discover until later, his great-aunt Gertrudis wants to keep them separated. She sees her brother as nothing but a man with fanciful thoughts and doesn't approve of Micah believing in his stories.

But the circus comes to town and magic ensues as magic usually does for those who keep their imaginations intact. I didn't realize there was a second book to Micah's story but I'm so ready to continue the adventure with him. This is one of those books I would read to or with my nephew and niece if they lived closer because it was fantastic. The 'villains' were the right amount of villainous and there were so many little lessons that could start discussions between an adult and the child in their lives if the time was taken to read it together.

It dealt with death, the loss of hope, betrayal and so many other topics. I didn't need more backstory in the first book because we found out how Micah came to be, we found out how much truth Ephraim put in his stories and we found out why Gertrudis was so cranky. I mean she has every right to be, to an extent because She-Who-Doesn't-Deserve-Her-Name did her dirty when she was just a little girl.

Yay, this is my kind of story. Okay, so it's probably not the best piece of writing I've ever read. But I love this type of story with a neat kid at the center of it with a best friend who is not at all like him and who has great imagination and the magic of being a kid. I wanted so much for Circus Mirandus and all it stands for to be real. :) I definitely identified with Jenny and I love that she eventually opened her mind because of her love for Micah--a true friend indeed. I definitely did not like Micah's aunt, but I felt sorry for her, especially at the end when she had the chance to take a different course. It made me hurt for her and people like her who are so unbending, they cut themselves off from the good things life has to offer.

This is a very quick read and I'm so excited that I just got my notice from the library that the second book is in, waiting for me, so I can find out the next chapter in Micah's life!

If you like fantasy with humor, whimsy and a little bit of real-life drama ("evil" great aunt) then you should definitely check this one out.

Special thanks to #CassieBeasley, #NetGalley, and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun tale of magic and love, as it tells the story of a boy's willingness to do anything to save his grandpa whom he love dearly. It was entertaining and enjoyable to read.

A young boy who is blessed to being raised by a loving grandfather, whom led a wonderful life filled with magic becomes I'll, the boy is set off on a wonderous adventure.

If this book were a food, it would be a pancake because folks? It is FLAT. FLAT. FLAT. FLAT. The characters, the plot, even the setting is just flat. Honestly, you could take the dialogue, erase who was actually speaking and interchange it with any other character and you wouldn't notice. There was nothing exciting about this book, nothing that made me believe in magic again (which one review said it would and they LIED), and nothing truly special. Apparently Micha's grandfather is supposed to be hilarious, so why not SHOW us? The author never takes the time to write a single joke but infers instead that the Grandfather had Micha laughing until he had tears rolling down his cheeks.
Seriously? Doesn't seem like he's very funny since I can't tell him apart from ANY OTHER CHARACTER.
Where's the texture? Where's the heart? It's just a flat, flat novel start-to-finish and not one I would ever pick up again, recommend, or bother with the sequel.
A very disappointing read.

Thank you net galley for the advance copy of this novel. I requested this for my tween and found it a delightful story with magic and friendship. The author keeps the plot engaging to propel younger readers on in the story. I am hoping there are future adventures with these characters. Well done!

This was a truly delightful Middle Grade read! Both Micah and Jenny were adorable and I loved their friendship; two little odd balls in different ways, but the friendship felt natural. I was surprised at how dark this book was, but in a good way. I love it when a book for young readers doesn't try to talk down to them or pretends like nothing bad ever happens in the world. Circus Mirandus is all about finding the magic in this messed up world.

I do wish the actual magical elements were explored more deeply. We saw a lot of the What and glimpsed a little bit of the Why, but I would have liked to see more of the How and how that informs the Why. I'm hopeful that the sequel will delve into that more.

Overall, a quick and entertaining read.

(I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)

Now I see why everyone is using this as a comp title! Circus Mirandus was such a delight to read, taking me into the magical world of circus while staying true to a young middle grade voice.i really enjoyed it.

Absolutely adored this story. I love all things circus. I have read some mediocre circus-themed books in my day. THIS ONE DID NOT DISAPPOINT! It was just the right amount of magic and intrigue with reality sprinkled in between. Perfect book for kids. Can’t wait to share this story with my six year old niece. Already ordered the recently-released sequel :)

Great read for children who love magic and circuses. I loved stepping into Micah and Ephraim's world. and thought this book was sweet, had endearing moments, and was an overall good read.

I recommend this book and highly recommend it for children.

A fabulous tale! This is basically a children's version of The Night Circus. I'm so glad I picked this book up!
Micah has lived in his grandfather's care since the death of his parents. He has spent his life listening to wonderful tales of the magical Circus Mirandus his grandfather visited as a child. But when Grandfather becomes sick and confined to bed, Micah leans that the stories are not just stories - the Circus is real. As a boy Grandfather was promised a miracle by the Lightbender. Anything within the Lightbender's power. Grandfather chose to save it, and decades later the time has come to call the Lightbender to make good on his promise.
Micah sets off on a fantastic adventure of his own to find the Lightbender and save his grandfather. Among the wonderful descriptions of the Circus, the animals and the amazing acts are lessons on friendship, family ties, the power of a promise, and the lengths we will go to for those we love. Told in alternating time lines from Grandfather's first visit to the Circus, to Micah and his new friend Jenny finding the Circus, the plot is well-constructed, and well-paced.
I love Micah's character, his determination and ingenuity. Micah and Jenny are two sides of one coin - Jenny is determined to stand by her friend, and break all the rules if she has to, in order to help Micah fulfill his grandfather's dying wish. Even if magic isn't real, and Grandfather's stories were about a real circus, just embellished to comfort Micah in a turbulent childhood. Jenny has much to learn about faith and belief when she begins to see and experience things she can't possibly explain away, even with all the science in the world.
Micah spends all of his time and effort trying to find the Lightbender and convince him to save Grandfather. He knows this has to be the miracle Grandfather is seeking. Grandfather will not share his wish, and the Lighbender isn't forthcoming with information either. The beauty of this story is in the truth of Grandfather's miracle.
If you loved the Night Circus, and have kids - this book is for you. If you love fantasy and adventure, this is for you. It's a kids' story, but it is far from juvenile. I loved every minute of it. If you need a little hope that there is magic to be found in the world - read it.

I am intrigued by all things circus related and this did not let me down. A delightful story, filled with magic, reality, sorrow and hope. While written for a younger audience, readers of all ages will find this story engaging and entertaining. This appears to be the beginning of a series and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment.

I read Circus Mirandus with my son, and he loved it. He shared it with his class, and the teacher purchased a classroom library copy. Great magical story for middle readers!