That Time I Joined the Circus
Scholastic Inc | ISBN 9780545433815 Hardcover
272 Pages | 5.75" x 8.58" | Ages 12 & Up
A music-obsessed, slightly snarky New York City girl, Lexi is on her own. After making a huge mistake - and facing a terrible tragedy - Lexi has no choice but to track down her long-absent mother. Rumor has it that Lexi's mom is somewhere in Florida, at the winter quarters of a traveling circus.
When Lexi arrives at her new, three-ring reality, her mom isn't there, but her destiny might be. Surrounded by tigers, elephants, and trapeze artists, Lexi finds some surprising friends and an even more surprising chance at true love. She even lucks into a spot as the circus's fortune teller, reading tarot cards and making predictions.
But then Lexi's ex-best friend from home shows up, and suddenly it's Lexi's own future that's thrown into question.
With humor, wisdom, and a dazzlingly fresh voice, this debut reminds us of the magic of circus tents, city lights, first kisses, last heartaches, and the importance of an excellent playlist.
Raves & reviews:
Praise for That Time I Joined the Circus
"Lexi's credible voice, tumultuous emotions, and passion for music are authentically adolescent, while her growing resilience adds a tough yet appealing streak to her character and keeps her future in doubt to the very last pages." -Publishers Weekly
"Debut author Howard effectively depicts an attractive heroine with a notably sarcastic but nonetheless charming attitude . . . For any reader who ever has felt like running away to join the circus." -Kirkus