CIRCUS MIRANDUS, by Cassie Beasley

The story: Micah's grandpa Ephraim is dying, and when he does, Micah will have to go live with sourpuss great-aunt Gertrude, who hates him. Micah is desperately hoping that Grandpa will pull through, because long ago, Grandpa met the Lightbender, a magician who promised him a miracle when he needed one. Grandpa never used it, and now's the time to call it in. But not only does Micah need to believe in the Circus Mirandus for that miracle to happen...the Circus Mirandus needs to believe in him--which is a lot more difficult than it might seem for a kid who doesn't have a shred of magic inside. (Or does he???)

June Cleaver's ratings: Language G; Violence PG; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse G; Magic & the occult PG; GLBT content G; adult themes: (being orphaned, difficult family relationships) PG; overall rating G.

Liz's comments: This is a charming story, perfect to read aloud to younger grades, and for readers themselves in grades 4-5. However, although it might be rated through 6th, the hero is in 5th grade and his best friend is 10. MS kids won't read past those two facts, which is unfortunate, because Micah's belief in the miracle leads him past the Miss Trunchbull-like character into a rather "Matilda" ending.