The Circus Escape

The Younguns

by Thomas L. Tedrow

Terry Youngun, fed up with his father's methods of discipline, runs away to the circus where he befriends two hobos and uncovers a nasty plot

202 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1996

About the author

Thomas Tedrow is a bestselling American author and screenwriter whose books for young readers and young adults have sold hundreds of thousands of copies worldwide. With more than twenty published titles, he is known for creating emotionally engaging stories and memorable series that have appeared in major Scholastic and Guideposts campaigns. His historical fiction includes The Days of Laura Ingalls Wilder and The Younguns, both set around the turn of the twentieth century and reissued in ebook form for new generations of readers. Tedrow has also produced a range of youth-focused content and has promoted his work through radio, television, print, and online appearances throughout his career.

Reviews

[Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Terry runs away to join the circus, but two “hoboes” kidnap and abuse him.

Trigger warming: "And right before your eyes is Alice the half lady. Born without arms. We've been trying to get her and Johnny the half boy to get married, to see if two halves make a whole, out they don't seem interested."
The crowd snickered, oblivious to the inhumanity and cruelty of the human exhibition.
Johnny walked out on his hands, telling the audience how he had been born without legs.

"Do what the man says," mumbled Skeeter, raising his arms, seeing the hair-trigger danger in Cole’s eyes.
"We ain't done nothin'," Terry said.
"Just stole my car, my money, and my freak." Cole looked around.