CAMP BIG TOP

The circus has a funny way of bringing people together, as four 12-year-olds discover.

When Mario is forced to stay with his abuela in New Mexico for the summer as punishment for using credit cards without permission, she enrolls him in a local circus camp. There he meets aerialist Luna, who’s struggling with body shaming from Cosmos, her nonbinary parent who’s the camp director; Betina, who tries to go unnoticed, believing that invisibility is “her superpower,” but discovers a passion for clowning; and Ricky, who despite having the clumsy energy of a puppy is drawn to walking on stilts. When they learn that the circus camp is being evicted and will probably close, this unlikely quartet realizes that if they work together, they might be able to save the day. This well-paced story offers a fun setting that includes unicycles, hula hoops, and other circus trappings, plus a group of appealing kids who learn more about themselves while getting to know each other. As Luna says, “Circus is the one place where everyone belongs.” Diaz thoughtfully explores a variety of issues, including how Mario feels ignored by his parents and how Ricky, who presents with neurodivergent traits, struggles with how the world perceives him. Luna, Mario, and Betina are Latine, and Ricky reads white.

A sweet and tidy friendship story that will make readers want to join this inclusive circus family.