Watch Out for Flying Kids: How Two Circuses, Two Countries, and Nine Kids Confront Conflict and Build Community

Description

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.

A former teacher and educational policy consultant and researcher, Cynthia Levinson is the author of numerous award-winning nonfiction books about social justice for young readers,. She holds degrees from Wellesley College and Harvard University and also attended the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. She divides her time between Austin, Texas, and Boston, Massachusetts.

"This inspirational story easily lends itself to classroom use, as it encompasses a broad spectrum of values and subjects." -Booklist "[Levinson] captures [the youth performers'] infectious enthusiasm for the hard work and fun of building a circus." -The Washington Post "Inspiring." -School Library Journal "Enchanting indeed -and inspiring as well."-Kirkus Reviews