Book #3030

When the Circus Came to Town

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When the Circus Came to Town

By Laurence Yep and
Illustrated by Suling Wang
2002, 113 pages, hardback.

Book Description from the Front Cover Flap
Comments from Back Cover
About the Author and Illustrator

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Book Description from the Front Cover Flap

Ursula always wanted to see the circus. That is, until she caught smallpox. Now all she wants is to hide her scarred face. But Ah Sam, her parents' Chinese cook, has other ideas. He brings to town a magical circus and finds a way to give Ursula the confidence she needs to face the world. In return, Ursula finds a way to make Ah Sam happy. She creates the biggest, best Chinese New Year celebration that Whistle, Montana, has ever seen!

Based on actual events that occurred in the early twentieth century, two-time Newbery Honor author Laurence Yep's novel captures both the overwhelming pain of being different and the simple comfort in finding the community to which you belong.

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Comments from Back Cover

PRAISE FOR LAURENCE YEP

The Magic Paintbrush
"As always, Yep's crisp style keeps the pages turning and he
leavens his story with snappy dialogue, realistic characters and
plenty of wise humor." -Publishers Weekly

The Imp That Ate My Homework
"Yep has written a fast-paced, light adventure that is full of the
flavor of San Francisco's Chinatown." -School Library Journal

"Good-natured fun." -Publishers Weekly

Dream Soul
"Nicely evoking the 1927 West Virgina setting, the book is an
appealing family story, blending humor with charm in a manner
reminiscent of Laura Ingalls Wilder." -The Horn Book

"Yep's lovingly crafted offering is for younger readers and has its
own wonderful perspective." -School Library Journal

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Background on the Author and Illustrator

LAURENCE YEP is one of children's literature's most respected Asian American authors. His many novels include the middle-grade Newbery Honor books DRAGONWINGS and DRAGON'S GATE. He is also the author of THE IMP THAT ATE MY HOMEWORK, winner of the Georgia Children's Book Award, and THE MAGIC PAINT-BRUSH. Mr. Yep lives in Pacific Grove, California.

SULING WANG has worked in illustration, animation, and multi-media design for several years. She also illustrated THE MAGIC PAINTBRUSH by Laurence Yep. She lives in San Francisco, California.

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