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