Riding at the top of the paddlewheel is none other than uber-talented author and poet
Tracie Vaughn Zimmer, because today her middle grade novel, The Floating Circus (Bloomsbury, 2008), is officially out!

         
       THE FLOATING CIRCUS by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer
        (Bloomsbury, 2008), ages 9-12, 208 pp.

Tracie takes us to 1850’s Pittsburgh. Twelve-year-old orphan, Owen, decides to run away in order to give his brother, Zach, a better chance of being adopted. Owen finds himself aboard a circus boat called the River Palace, and before he knows what hit him, he’s helping a free black man named Solomon take care of all the animals. In time, Owen learns that the seemingly rag tag group of misfits he works with are really just loners like himself.  Loyalty and mettle are put to the test due to a devastating storm, a brush with yellow-fever, and the threat of slave catchers.

The Floating Circus was inspired by the real-life Spalding and Rogers Floating Palace. It’s fascinating to imagine a specially constructed steamboat with 2000 seats aboard. This novel, appropriate for ages 9-12, promises excitement, adventure, and a unique glimpse into circus history.

Today, especially in Tracie’s honor, we’re serving soup in Owen’s wool cap. After you’ve sipped and slurped your congratulations, run to the nearest brick and mortar store, or click through to your favorite online bookseller. After all, summer is the perfect time for a circus. Loads of good luck floating your way today, Tracie!

         
                 Served with complimentary steam, hay bales extra. 

To see a trailer for The Floating Circus, click here.

Check out Tracie’s website and blog.

See Becky’s Book Reviews for a recent review of The Floating Circus.