Spartacus and the Circus of Shadows - Hardcover

Molly E. Johnson

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0984050000 ISBN 13: 9780984050000

Publisher: RainTown Press, 2011

Synopsis

When Spartacus Ryan \"Poop Lip\" Zander finds his house destroyed and his wacko, Human-Cannonball mother missing, it's obvious that she's been kidnapped by Bartholomew's World-Renowned Circus of the Incredible. But when his dad and brother refuse to believe it (because they're morons, obviously) it's up to Spartacus to be the hero. With the Internet-wizardry of his best friend and clues from his mom's postcards, Spartacus sets out on a rescue mission. But as the stories about the circus get stranger (and Spart's enemies get weirder), he realizes the only way to bring his family back together is to bring the big top down, once and for all.

About this title

About the Author:

Molly began writing about sports for her small town newspaper that is, until they discovered she knew nothing about football. She went on to write sarcastic movie, restaurant, and art reviews for the Linfield College newspaper while earning her BA.After barreling through an MA from Portland State University, she then barged (and blogged) through a year of teaching English to some of the coolest kids in China. She works as a copywriter in Portland, living with her cat Achilles. She spends her free time reading, writing, learning, and lying through her teeth every chance she gets. She has seen Spartacus thirteen times.

Review:

As an author, there s a moment when noble emotions such as admiration and respect for a fellow scribe cross over into outright, green-eyed jealousy. And, about midway through reading Molly E. Johnson s page-turning debut Spartacus and the Circus of Shadows, my appreciation for her quirky, breezy style quickly gave way to wanton prose-envy of the worst kind...As exotic as his name is, Spartacus grounds the fantastical events of his story in a deeply affecting and relatable way. His insights and feelings at being a runaway in a difficult situation at a difficult age hold your metaphoric hand as Johnson leads you, circuitously, to the inevitable big showdown at the Big Top. But it s the various roadside attractions and delightful deviations along the way that make her story sparkle like the creepy-shiny eyes of a carnie. Dale Basye, author of Heck: Where the Bad Kids Go --Dale E. Basye

I couldn t put it down. Literally. Never pick up a book while eating honey glazed ribs. But, if you re going to be stuck with a book for a few days, I advise you to make it Spartacus and the Circus of Shadows. Dr. Cuthbert Soup, author of A Whole Nother Story --Dr. Cuthbert Soup

Molly E. Johnson s debut novel, Spartacus and the Circus of Shadows is a humorous novel with unforgettable characters and an unpredictable ending. I loved the travelers Spartacus ends up with. Spartacus quest is hilarious and even a bit heartbreaking. It s a fun novel that is hard to put down. The author does a great job with the theme of loving and accepting others, especially your own family. My twelve year old and seventeen year old sons like the novel as well. Highly recommended for the middle school reader or ages 10-14. --A blog at boystobooks.com

About this edition

• Publisher: RainTown Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0984050000
• ISBN 13: 9780984050000
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 352
• Editor: Mary Darcy, Cory Freeman
• Illustrator: Robin E. Kaplan