Circus Girl
by Tomasz Bogacki
Farrar, Straus and Giroux 2001
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- imagination
- self-confidence
- family
- bravery
- practice and perseverance
- belonging
- performing arts
About this book
A gentle, painterly picture book follows a young girl who loves the magic of the big top and dreams of being part of the show. As she watches rehearsals and simple acts, she imagines herself balancing, riding, and performing with quiet confidence. The simple text and soft art make it inviting for newly independent readers and great for read‑alouds. Ideal for kids who enjoy stories about performing, bravery, and finding their place.
Setting: a traveling circus and the big top, contemporary
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Circus Girl right for my child?
Yes — Circus Girl is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.7, which is typical for 2nd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include imagination, self-confidence, family.
How long does it take to read Circus Girl?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Circus Girl takes around 6m to finish. The book has 700 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Circus Girl have an AR quiz?
Yes — Circus Girl has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Circus Girl?
Circus Girl has an AR reading level of 2.7, which places it at a 2nd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.