Watch Out for Flying Kids

How Two Circuses, Two Countries, and Nine Kids Confront Conflict and Build Community
Can circus change the world?  
  • ISBN: 9781561458219
  • Publication date: 08/01/2015
  • Page Count: 224
  • Size: 8-7/8" x 10-3/8"
  • Age Range: 10-14
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  • Price:
  • ISBN: 9781561458219
  • Publication date: 08/01/2015
  • Page Count: 224
  • Size: 8-7/8" x 10-3/8"
  • Age Range: 10-14
  • Price:
  • Age Range: 10-14
  • Price:
  • Age Range: 10-14
  • Price:
  • ISBN: 9781682633052
  • Publication date: 08/01/2020
  • Page Count: N/A
  • Age Range: 10-14
  • Price:
  • Age Range: 10-14
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Description

Can circus change the world?

Award-winning author Cynthia Levinson brings together the inspiring real-life stories of two social circus groups—one a team of inner-city and suburban Black and white American kids and the other a group of Jewish and Arab kids from Israel—as they join forces to learn from each other and perform circus acts together in each of their countries.

“[Levinson] captures [the youth performers’] infectious enthusiasm for the hard work and fun of building a circus.” ―The Washington Post

“Enchanting…inspiring.” ―Kirkus Reviews

Welcome to the world of social circus—a movement that brings kids from different worlds together to perform amazing acts on a professional level! Watch from your seats as we follow the participants of two specific circuses: Circus Harmony in St. Louis, whose participants are inner-city and suburban kids, and Circus Galilee in Israel, whose participants are Jewish and Arab. They’re from different demographics, different races, and different religions, and they learn not only how to overcome assumptions, animosity, and obstacles, but also how to put their trust in the hands of someone different from themselves.

With Levinson’s combination of in-depth one-on-one interviews and extensive research, this inspiring nonfiction book highlights stories of collaboration, compromise, and overcoming obstacles. Includes informational sidebars and photographs throughout.

Author/Illustrator

Cynthia Levinson

Author

Cynthia Levinson, winner of the Robert F. Sibert Medal and many other accolades, is the author of numerous nonfiction books for young readers, including the highly praised Fault Lines in the Constitution, cowritten with her husband, constitutional scholar Sanford Levinson. A former teacher and educational policy consultant, Cynthia is drawn to topics in history, law, policy, and, especially, social justice. Who Owns the Moon? grew out of her curiosity about the laws governing our activities in space and concern for international cooperation and equity. Cynthia and her husband divide their time between Austin and Boston.

Photo credit: Elizabeth McGuire

Reviews

“[Levinson] captures [the youth performers’] infectious enthusiasm for the hard work and fun of building a circus.” ―The Washington Post

“Enchanting indeed―and inspiring as well.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“This inspirational story easily lends itself to classroom use, as it encompasses a broad spectrum of values and subjects.” ―Booklist

“Inspiring.” ―School Library Journal

Awards

Sydney Taylor Notable Books for Older Readers ―Association of Jewish Libraries, 2016

Social Justice Literature Award ―Literary and Social Justice Special Interest Group, International Literacy Association, 2016

Top 10 Multicultural Nonfiction for Youth ―Booklist, 2016

Resources

Resources: Discussion Guide

Discussion Guide

More Details

AR Level: 6.8
F&P: GRL Z, Gr 7th & up, Genre I
Lexile: 930L
Themes: Class, Circus, Culture, Race, Religion
BISAC 1: JNF039010  JUVENILE NONFICTION / Performing Arts / Circus
BISAC 2: JNF053160  JUVENILE NONFICTION / Social Issues / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
BISAC 3: JNF053060  JUVENILE NONFICTION / Social Issues / Friendship