Katelynn's Staff Picks

Jacob is ninety or is it ninety-three he’s not so sure anymore. Down the street the circus has come to town. Joseph’s a new comer swearing up and down that he carried water for the elephants when he was a kid. Jacob knows this not to be true. This is the story of an old man remember when his world was flipped flopped when he was 23. after his parents death he finds out that he has nothing so he hops a train. Its no ordinary train though it’s the flying squadron of the Benzini Brothers most spectacular show on earth. He’s hired on by uncle all. Benzini brothers now have their very own vet. Along the way Uncle Al acquires an elephant named Rosie who doesn’t understand English. Marlena is a show girl normally on the liberty horses but since Rosie came on she’s been doing an act with her. Marlena’s ill tempered husband is August the equestrian director and superintendent of animals. Gruen artistically blends the present life of Jacob and his life with the circus.

When 7 year old best friends Cali and Petra go missing it’s a hunt to find them. Cali’s a selective mute meaning for some reason no one knows she hasn’t uttered a sound since she was a toddler. No one can explain Cali and Petra’s friendship. Written from Cali , Cali’s mother Antonia, Cali’s older brother Ben, Petra’s dad Martin and Deputy sheriff Louis’s point of view. We follow the search for the 2 little girls and Cali’s father Griff. We find that silence has a heavy burden. What untold family secrets could make a child never cry or laugh or make any noise at all? Does it play a part in the girls’ disappearance?

The city of angels plays host to this cast of young characters, who all believe the streets of Los Angeles are better then being home. Eeoyere, Rusty, Squid, Critter, Scabius, and Laura form a close family unit looking out for each other. Not least but last we can’t forget about Tracy who brought them all together. Written in section from the view point of each member of the group we follow their reasoning for running away from and their daily lives on the streets. Will they ever return home or find a place to call home?