Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
In this fascinating Non-fiction narrative written by the author of We've Got a Job explores the world of social circus--a movement that brings kids from different worlds together to perform remarkable acts on a professional level. Levinson follows the participants of two specific circuses that also work together periodically: Circus Harmony, in St. Louis, whose participants are inner-city and suburban kids, and Circus Galilee in Israel, whose participants and Jews and Arabs. As the kids' relationships evolve over time, the members learn how to overcome assumptions, animosity, and obstacles both physical and personal. This book fits a STEAM curriculum with many connections to the arts, social studies, science, engineering, and math. The mission of Youth Social Circus builds themes of breaking down social, economic, racial, religious barriers, character and community building, political and racial tolerance, conflict resolution, and personal responsibility. Strong text features; headings, side text, Arabic/Hebrew pronunciation guide, primary and secondary sources- quotes, photographs, Author's Note/purpose.
Curriculum Connections: Non-fiction narrative. Social Studies; biography, world history, conflict resolution, community building, political and racial tolerance, Arts: Youth Social Circus, mission, history, responsibility. Text features; headings, side text, Arabic/Hebrew pronunciation guide, primary and secondary sources--quotes, photographs, Author's Note/purpose. Themes; circus, social, economic, racial, religious barriers, character building, determination, tolerance, trust
Synopsis
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.
Discussion Guide available
Sydney Taylor Notable Books for Older Readers / Association of Jewish Libraries
Social Justice Literature Award / Literary and Social Justice Special Interest Group, International Literacy Association
Top 10 Multicultural Nonfiction for Youth / Booklist
Synopsis
Can circus change the world? Award-winning author Cynthia Levinson reveals the inspiring real-life stories of Black and white American kids and Jewish and Arab kids from Israel as they join forces to learn from each other and create remarkable circus performances.
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 Black and white kids, and Circus Galilee in Israel, whose participants are Jewish and Arab. The members may be from different demographics, different races, and different religions, but they work together to learn not how to overcome assumptions, animosity, and obstacles, and also to put their trust in the hands of people who may be very different from themselves.
Featuring in-depth one-on-one interviews, extensive research, and engaging storytelling, this inspiring book highlights stories of collaboration, compromise, and overcoming obstacles. Includes informational sidebars and photographs throughout.