The Iron Circus has quite the likeable and intriguing premise and central character. I enjoyed the creative elements that came together in this story, and the way the author infused imagination into the narrative. Well worth reading and sharing with young adult/middle grades readers.

It is summer and Lewis Bokurtz is supposed to be on break, but instead his parents have left him in the care of Mr. Butterfield, a retired schoolteacher. Mr. Butterfield has a very regimented schedule that includes chores, school work, and exercise. Lewis just wants something fun to do. So when Mr. Butterfield offers to take him fishing he jumps at the chance. Lewis thought fishing would be fun, but it turns out to be a lot of waiting around for nothing. Until Mr. Butterfield introduces Lewis to magnet fishing. Lewis finds a mysterious coin. A world of mystery and adventure open up to him with this coin of admission to The Iron Circus. Lewis meets a cast of characters at the circus as they are preparing for the next nights big show. Lewis will be met with many challenges before the night is over. Will he be able to overcome them all?

The book had a slow start. I did not want to read “There is no wrong way to have a picnic,” one more time. But as the story progressed I became more and more drawn in. I couldn’t wait to see who Lewis would meet next and what challenge he would overcome next.

I am not sure it will initially grab middle-grade readers attention. But it would be a great read-aloud in the classroom for upper elementary and middle school.