Gennifer Choldenko

In 1939, after cruel treatment at her orphanage renders her mute, Lucy runs away and joins the circus, working with the elephants and unaware that the orphanage matrons are hunting for her.

Orphan Eleven

Paige Green

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and the e-arc as well. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Orphan Eleven

Author: Gennifer Choldenko

Book Series: Standalone? Should be a series

Rating: 4/5

Diversity: (selective?) mute character and a stuttering character. Also a little person character

Recommended For...: running away to the circus, historical fiction, middle grade

Publication Date: May 26, 2020

Genre: MG Historical Fiction

Recommended Age: 10+ (some scary events, child labor)

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Pages: 320

Synopsis: Four orphans have escaped from the Home for Friendless Children. One is Lucy, who used to talk and sing. No one knows why she doesn't speak anymore; silence is her protection.

The orphans find work and new friends at a traveling circus. Lucy loves caring for the elephants, but she must be able to speak to them, and to warn others of danger. If Lucy doesn't find her voice, she'll be left behind when the circus goes on the rails. Meanwhile, people are searching for Lucy, and her puzzling past is about to catch up with her.

Review: Overall, I thought this was a well done novel! I loved to see these children’s journey and their character development was very well done. The world building was marvelous and to my knowledge this book was well researched. The book also has an authentic voice, sounding like it is from the prospective of a middle grader.

My only issue is that I felt that the book didn’t have a lot of backstory for all of the characters and I would have liked some more. I also felt like in some spots the book was too slow and while I didn’t like how Jabo is referred to, it is historically accurate (but probably should have a blurb about so kids don’t use that to be unintentionally cruel to another little person).

Verdict: A well done middle grade novel! I highly recommend it!

Orphan Eleven

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