Long Road to the Circus

by Betsy Bird, David Small (Illustrations)

Twelve-year-old Suzy Bowles is tired of summers filled with chores on her family farm in Burr Oak, Michigan, and desperate to see the world. When her wayward uncle moves back home to the farm, only to skip his chores every morning for mysterious reasons, Suzy decides to find out what he's up to once and for all. And that's when she meets legendary former circus queen Madame Marantette and her ostriches. Before long, Suzy finds herself caught-up in the fast-paced, wild world of ostrich riding, that just might be her ticket out of Burr Oak.

Genres: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Adventure, Humor, Animals

256 pages, Library Binding

First published October 1, 2021

About the author

Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, undisputed center of the universe, Betsy Bird (nee Elizabeth Ramsey) grew up and promptly left Michigan the moment her legs could propel her southward. She didn't get far. Obtaining a B.A. at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana (home of recorded jazz, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise) she set her sights on Portland, Oregon. When that didn't pan out it was Minneapolis, Minnesota. Then New York, New York. In the midst of all this she somehow managed to get a library degree and a job at New York Public Library, eventually becoming their Youth Materials Specialist (a.k.a. the person who bought all the kids' books for Manhattan, Staten Island, and the Bronx). She created the children's literary blog A Fuse #8 Production with School Library Journal and that led to reviewing for Kirkus and podcasting with her sister about picture books at Fuse 8 n' Kate (where they try to figure out which ones deserve to be "classics"). Betsy is the author of numerous picture books including "POP! Goes the Nursery Rhyme" as well as an anthology of some of the most hilarious women writing for kids today called "Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever," and her first middle grade novel for kids "Long Road to the Circus", illustrated by Caldecott award winner David Small. Betsy Bird is now the Collection Development Manager of Evanston, IL. Stop by. We'll have lunch. It'll be nice.

Reviews

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be fair, I kind of wrote it. So this may not be the least biased rating here.

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long Road to the Circus
by Betsy Bird
This is quite a book! A feisty young girl wants out of her boring town and will do just about anything to do it. When her lazy but travelled uncle comes back she decided to enlist his help. He had worked for a woman that raised ostriches and the young gal was determined to ride them! She has a strong grip and stronger determination!
Great art work scattered throughout! A fun story kids will enjoy.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all have family stories. Stories about what parents or grandparents did when they were kids. How they met Mark Twain, or how they taught violin to Prince Charles. Or they might have been in the olympics, or joined the circus.

The author had a family story about a great uncle who worked for some former circus lady who kept ostriches, and she figured it was just that, a story, until she started looking into it, and found so much that was true she knew she had to write a story about this amazing woman, and the ostrich.

And this story is about Suzy, who learns how to ride an ostrich, even though that is not what is expected of her in the 1920s in the midwest. Told in the first person, and with a lot of fun comments about what she learns about ostriches, this is a great historical fiction novel for middle schoolers.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful story told from a young girl's point of view. She lives on a farm in 1920s Michigan and although her family is more than content to remain there for the rest of their lives, she dreams only of being able to travel the world and see what else there is to see. While the main character is fictional, the author does incorporate some family lore, and she brings her character into the sphere of a real-life woman, Madam Marantette, who holds the high jump record for riding side-saddle, as well as the distance record for any person in a surrey being pulled by a horse and ostrich harnessed together. The woman does have some connection with the author's family, including a no-account lazy uncle, and she apparently had a lot of fun incorporating true parts of her family history and taking liberties to make up other things to fit the story. This is a coming-of-age story for the main protagonist, but it's one of the most unique settings I've come across. I love the epilogue that explains what happens with her (and her uncle and brother) 10 years after the events in the book.

This book would be a great book for a middle school student who likes animals, strong female characters (children and adults), historical fiction, and adventure. The illustrations by David Small are really well done and add to the mood of the book this book actually had me googling things about ostriches that I didn't know before.

I received an advance review from NetGalley copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Barb Middleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite librarian book reviewer writes a funny book with strong characters in a unique plot that will satisfy readers. Her great lines and joy of words had me writing down turn of phrases. Delightful!

[Pop Bop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suzy can be as ornery as her ostrich, but she is a refreshingly honest and big hearted heroine with honest and big dreams. This an old school story with a modern sensibility and an occasional bit of bite. I've followed Betsy Bird's reviews and opinions ever since she was a fresh voice as Youth Media Specialist at the New York Public Library, and so it was a special delight to read her lovely guide to how to be the heroine of your own adventure. Suzy and Toby Tyler were made for each other. (I appreciate having had the opportunity to read this as an ARC without obligation or a review requirement.)

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traveling to a time when things were different and more difficult for children makes for an interesting read. Suzy is an endearing character who is interested in traveling the world. She is a girl after my own heart, someone who works and cares for her family but has secret dreams. When her uncle moves back to town and starts working with Madame Marantette, the town legend. Suzy wants to experience the extraordinary and wants to train an ostrich. I found the story endearing and will share it with the kids I interact with at school.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

12 year old Suzy is desperate to leave her farm chores behind and live a life full of adventure! When she learns to ride the ostrich of an eccentric woman who did leave their small town, but for some reason came back, she begins to dream of a future in the circus. I loved the epilogue, where we learn of Suzy's success, and the author's note which reveals that Madame Marantette was a real person.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this excellent review by Alexis of Indigo's Bookshelf! https://indigosbookshelf.blogspot.com...

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for the review copy of Long Road to the Circus by Betsy Bird. I was intrigued by the premise of a young girl meeting a retired circus performer who teaches her how to ride an ostrich. I was even more intrigued to find out how based in reality this historical fiction middle grade novel actually is!

Suzy has big dreams for her life that don’t include staying on her family farm for the rest of her life. When she meets Madame Marantette, she sees ostrich riding as a means to all her dreams coming true.

Suzy is a wonderful main character, and the book’s narration is humorous and engaging. The illustrations by David Smalls add a lot to the novel as well. This was a fun read.

[Beth Blenz-Clucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a hilarious and honest book about a super strong but fallible young person who navigates through a a bunch of challenges while trying to live her dream -- to ride an ostrich in the circus!
The story will appeal to middle-grade readers and adults alike.
The bits of history and ostrich-ology are also invaluable to set the context for this story set in the midwest in the early 20th century.
Fun fun fun.

[Dorothy Schwab · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ostrich is not your standard cuddly lovey. Betsy Bird’s Long Road to the Circus introduces young readers to twelve year-old determined but bored Suzy Bowles, aiming to find a way out of Burr Oak, Michigan, and a feisty ostrich, Gaucho. A wayward uncle and a former circus queen enter Suzy’s mundane life and readers are in for a hilarious, rollicking ride with Suzy and her new ride, Gaucho. Betsy Bird’s tale, based on a true family story, shows young readers that hard work, determination and ‘true grit” are what it takes to make dreams come true. Caldecott Medalist David Small’s illustrations add intricate details and facial expressions that spark great emotion and humor. Young readers will definitely want to give Long Road to the Circus and Gaucho’s long, fleshy neck a big ol’ hug!

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It physically hurts me to not have a 6-yr-old to read this to at bedtime. I would ALMOST consider giving birth again just for the sake of this exact read-aloud experience. As a librarian, I trust and rely upon Betsy Bird's judgment and taste, so I knew this was going to be a great one. The epilogue, end notes, and SIDESADDLE INSTRUCTIONS are dreamy.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.0 of 5

When I was a kid my favorite books were Robert McCloskey's Homer Price books in which the young boy, Homer Price, "somehow gets involved in a series of outrageous incidents, such as tending an inexplicably unstoppable doughnut-making machine in his uncle's diner, or caring for mystery plants that turn out to be a giant form of allergy-inducing ragweed." (Source, Wikipedia.) Betsy Bird's Long Road to the Circus reminded me a lot of Homer Price.

Suzy Bowles is a twelve-year-old girl in rural Michigan who desires to see the world but is stuck in Burr Oak. The world comes to her, however, when first her uncle moves back to the farm but tends to skip out on the chores for mysterious reasons. Suzy follows her uncle to discover that he's working for the legendary Madame Marantette and her flock of ostriches.

Suzy becomes almost obsessed with the birds and takes a special liking to one named Guacho. Madame Marantette allows Suzy to help her uncle take care of the birds, but she has to do both her chores and her uncle's chores on the family farm as well. But to take care of Guacho and the other ostriches is worth it.

There is a lot of fun here, mostly due to the fact that we have ostriches as a main character. I mean ... ostriches! Big, awkward looking birds that our protagonist will ride like horses and about which we will learn a good deal.

There's a sweet growth of character in Suzy, thanks to her interest in Guacho and the ostriches, and she (and our young readers) learn that the way to achieve a goal is through hard work and determination. But wisely, the lessons aren't too overt, but the savvy young readers will pick up on it.

As fun as this is, learning that this is based on a true story really makes it all that much more intriguing - a true story based on Betsy Bird's own family history.

Artist David Small illustrates the book and it's possible that it's these illustrations that have me reflect on Robert McClosky's Homer Price books - they have a similar blend of realism and whimsy. These are pictures that young readers can (and probably will) spend a lot of time looking at. It's a really nice blend of story and art.

If there's one downside to the book, it's that the story is just a tad too long. I did get bored for a bit somewhere between half and two thirds of the way through and I thought maybe it was being stretched a little too hard to be 'novel length.' Still, it will likely be a favorite for many readers.

Looking for a good book? Long Road to the Circus by Betsy Bird with art by David Small is a nice middle grade/YA book, complete with lessons learned and ... ostriches.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Homerun2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

Suzy Bowles is 12 years old, stuck in a hardscrabble farm family, and dreaming of a bigger world. When she discovers a local circus performer, she finds a way to work her way into a different life. Suzy has a tenacious grip, both with her strong hands and with her even stronger will.

Her "lessons" with Madame teach her more about herself than she had known. This story has humor, grit, spunk, and drama and it is ornery fun to watch Suzy ride her way to adventure -- on the back of a grumpy ostrich. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Emilee (emileereadsbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Kids for the gifted book that I read in partnership with the audio from the library.

There are those stories that get told in our families and we all take them with a grain of salt. Well the author looked into one of her family stories about a great uncle of hers who worked with some ostriches for a former circus lady and it turned out to be true. So she crafted this beguiling fictionalized version of that story. 

Suzy lives in a big family in a small town just like the generations of her family before her. But she doesn't want to be stuck in this speck of a town for all her days. She envisions more than this mundane existence. So when her much bandied about "lazy" uncle shows up in town and sneaks away to get out of farm chores she follows him. It turns out he is working for Madame Marantette, the infamous legendary circus performer, to help train one of her ostriches. Suzy ingratiates herself to her uncle and the Madame and becomes embroiled in their scheme that might just help her punch her ticket out of this town. 

This story is funny with lessons about how chasing your dreams takes hard work, bravery, and some grit. It also has some interesting scenes where readers get to watch how Suzy contends with the role that manners and decorum plays into how we are perceived and the opportunities we get. Layers of entertainment and education can be found within this tale.

[Shella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful lighthearted entertaining story for upper elementary to younger middle school students. The story had a Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler vibe while reminding me of characters in Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. All the while very fresh and original. If you follow this author at all in her book reviews and blogs, you will not be disappointed as her fantastic sense of humor shines through the pages. From a teacher standpoint- I highly recommend this as a read aloud to fellow teacher’s and parents. Her word choices are meticulously chosen and even advanced readers will walk away with new words. Great story for authentic examples of figurative language too. Don’t skip the back matter in the book. This was the cherry on top of a story full of indelible characters. Readers will want to research ostriches when finished. Betsy- thank you for a fun uplifting humorous story- we need more stories like this one!

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written because it could be and therefore should be. There can never be enough stories. We need more stories about regular kids finding ways to be exceptional by being themselves. It was a bit of relief that this really was a story about overcoming typical childhood stuff—in a big way. We need the stories about kids overcoming the problems the adults in their lives create, but those stories are so very often sad.

I loved being inside this kid’s head. The author was able to share Suzy’s thoughts as a child, but still illustrate a full picture of the all the ages and personalities around her. It takes serious skill to do that.

It was an entertaining, often thought provoking, and satisfying story.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long Road to the Circus was a lot of fun and would make a great read aloud for younger grades. I love the author's notes which tell about her personal history with illustrator David Small and the real Madame Marantette. Gaucho is quite the character! And Suzy, who doesn't love a spunky small town girl with big dreams?

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike anything you've ever read before or will likely ever read, this book was quirky, funny, and absolutely fascinating in its historical details. 12 year old me would have gobbled up this book about a strong, feisty, and relatable girl who learns to ride an ostrich - sidesaddle no less!

Note: I missed out on the illustrations and as I listened to the audio version which I highly recommend - the narrator does a fantastic job capturing the voices of the characters. But... after watching the author discuss the connection with David Small--the illustrator--I realize I really did miss out, so the hard copy is on its way to me. So my recommendation is to get the audio to go along with the print version so you get the full experience.

Note #2: Author notes are not to be missed either.

[Cecilia Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in 1920 Burr Oak Michigan and narrated by twelve year old Suzy Bowles, Bird's historical fiction is a charming and humorous story.
David Small's black and white illustrations accent the action described in the text.
After the conclusion of story, Bird includes historical photographs of the real Madame Marantette

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure, I’m kind of a Betsy Bird fanatic. So, of course, I loved this middle grade historical adventure. It reminded me of The Penderwicks, for some reason, although this story’s a lot wackier. A sullen uncle, a mysterious madame, one determined girl and an ostrich. Yes, in fact, there are multiple ostriches. The characters are well developed; the story is well-paced and compelling; and, the historical setting is unusual and based on her own family’s stories. I loved the use of the library, too. I feel like Betsy (if she knew me, she’d want me to call her Betsy) and I are great librarian friends. I listen to her Fuse 8 n’Kate podcast all the time.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's Publishing through NetGalley.
Suzy longs for more than farm life on the family farm in Burr Oak, Michigan. Readers meet her as a child and experience life with this extended family. They also see her sneak away to follow her uncle and meet Madame Marantette, a retired circus rider who has come back home. In addition to horses, Madame is training an ostrich to pull a surrey alongside a horse. Suzy realizes that Madame is the key to leaving Burr Oak and exploring the world. She commits to working with Gaucho so he learns to carry a rider. The story ends with Suzy riding in the annual fair parade with an epilogue set ten years in the future.
Set in 1920, Bird captures midwestern farm life in a small town. Her descriptions capture the pace of life. In contrast, readers see Suzy long to leave and explore the world. Bird's text is enhanced by Small's illustrations. Together, they pull readers into this portion of the world.
Readers will connect to how the characters feel about life. They will see themselves somewhere in this story and recognize interactions with others too.
Based off imagined interactions with actual people. Both Madame Marantette and Bud Thurskow were real people. Though much is known about the Madame, little is known about Bud's. Bird offers historical information on each at the end of the novel.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up because of the Michigan setting, author, and illustrator.

The story began and I actually had a minute where I thought to myself, "meh, it's another plucky young farmgirl with big dreams" and felt that while it was probably fine, there would not be much new to get from this story. But there are ostriches, and Suzy continued to tenaciously hold on to her dreams, and I found myself drawn into this charmingly quirky character's life. Her steady determination is rendered visually through David Small's illustrations.

By the end I found myself deeply invested, and very pleased by the final ride into the sunset, such as it was. I flipped the page and was delightfully surprised by a very satisfying Epilogue.

AND THEN.

Any author can win my heart with backmatter, but this was some of the best after-story content I have ever encountered. THE AUTHOR'S GREAT GREAT UNCLE ACTUALLY KNEW AN OSTRICH-OWNING FORMER CIRCUS STAR FROM MENDON, MICHIGAN. AND THERE ARE PHOTOGRAPHS. AND DAVID SMALL *LIVES* IN THE FORMER CIRCUS STAR'S OLD HOUSE. AND SHE BASED THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN JOCKEY ON REAL STORIES, TOO. AND THEN TO WRAP IT ALL UP SHE RECOMMENDED ONE OF MY FAVORITE NONFICTION SERIES EVER, Ostriches. Please feel free to imagine my voice steadily increasing in pitch and my hands getting increasingly emphatic throughout that entire shouty rant. I could not even handle a small bit of that information; I found myself tearing up and ridiculously, stupidly thrilled.

To sum up, Suzy wormed her way into my heart and made me enjoy a story I was willing to dismiss as just "fine." And then the AUTHOR wormed her way into my heart and it was all over for me. I think everyone should read this.

[Sally Kruger]

If you are looking for some light-hearted entertainment set in small town Michigan, give LONG ROAD TO THE CIRCUS a try. A 12 year old girl, a retired circus performer, ostriches, and plenty of action make this new release well worth reading.

Suzy lives on a farm in the tiny town of Burr Oak, Michigan. She wants more than anything to leave the farm and this town someday. One of the few people she knows who left is her Uncle Fred, but he and his wife and baby have just returned. He doesn't appear happy to be back or to be working on the farm with Suzy's father.

It doesn't take long for Suzy to notice Uncle Fred sneaking off each morning. She immediately decides to follow him. Anything has to better than all the chores her parents pile on since it is summer vacation.

Suzy discovers Uncle Fred is going to a neighboring farm owned by Madame Maranette, known for her years with the Ringling Brothers Circus. The Madame is another person born in Burr Oak who left and then returned. Suzy has heard gossip about the Madame but hasn't really paid attention. Now Uncle Fred seems to be in ka-hoots with the woman.

When Suzy learns about the ostriches on the Madame's farm, she is hooked. Maybe this is just the answer for getting out of Burr Oak. Suzy convinces Uncle Fred she should be helping him with the Madame's crazy plan. That's when the adventure truly begins.

Author Betsy Bird, a native of Michigan, joins up with award winning illustrator David Small, also of Michigan, to create this fun-filled illustrated novel. Thanks to Michigan teacher Colby Sharp for the recommendation.

[Stephanie Affinito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twelve-year-old Suzy taught me a thing or two about dreaming big, outgrowing our boundaries and reaching for something more without letting go. In this story, we meet Suzy and her family as they live the farming life in Michigan long ago. While everyone else is satisfied with living at home for all of their days, Suzy is not. She has a dream for something bigger: to see the world. Itching to find a way to make it happen, she starts working with her Uncle on Madame Marantette’s farm, a former celebrity with a world-renowned circus. Completely unexpected, but also completely meant to be, Suzy learns to ride an ostrich to help Madame Marantette earn a world record. And it turns out that this is exactly what Suzy needs to discover her dreams and grab onto them with her vice-like grip. Suzy is a small girl with a big mind of her own, taking risks and demonstrating the kind of grit we all need to stay true to ourselves.

[Jerry Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long Road to the Circus written by Betsy Bird and illustrated by David Small (2021) is a wild ride of a novel for middle schoolers and younger.
Suzy is a twelve-year-old living on her family farm in Burr Oak, Michigan in 1920 – just a little over one hundred years ago.
Suzy has dreams of leaving this little town when she grows up. The farm, the endless chores, and the monotony of life makes her want something different. She knows she wants to see the world, to be adventurous and – she sees opportunity for her to leave Burr Oak when she discovers that nearby lives the legendary former circus queen, Madame Marantette.
Suzy’s uncle Fred works for Madame Marantette and Suzy follows him to work and talks him into to letting her come with him regularly.
Madame Marantette has ostriches on the farm. Suzy decides learning to ride an ostrich WILL be her ticket out of Burr Oak.
The story is well written, and the illustrations add in every way. It is a fun story based on family lore from the author, Betsy Bird, and the fact that the illustrator, David Small, currently lives in the house Madame Marantette (you can look her up on the internet – she was a real person) lived in at the time of her life this story represents.
I recommend this book. It is a fun story and Suzy is a great character! I think it would be a great book for a family read aloud.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this children’s novel! Fun historical fiction about Madam Maranette. She left Michigan to join the circus with her horses. This story is about a little girl who gets to know her after she retires from the circus. It involves a ostrich riding, a super tenacious kid and the Madame, who has character that I can’t help admiring! Also, the book is illustrated by David Small. He is the illustrator of the awesome children’s book Imogene’s Antlers.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for the Charlie May Simon Award Committee. Had it not been for this award, I would have never picked up this book. I'm not a huge fan of large birds and the blurb didn't catch my eye, but oh my...did I really enjoy this book. It was a pleasant surprise. The story was well thought out and interesting. I think both boys and girls alike will enjoy this book. It gets a YES vote from me. If you are on the fence about reading it, give it a try!

[alexandria]

read for school no thoughts