The Circus at the End of the Sea: Ed Guide & Activities

CIRCUS AT THE END OF THE SEA: EDUCATOR’S GUIDE & ACTIVITIES

Best Users: Book Clubs, Educators, Public Librarians, School Librarians, After School Programs, Home Learning
Best Audience: Children Grades 03-06

ABOUT THE ENGAGEMENT TOOLS

Step off the bus, dear reader. There appears to be traces of magic here. Should you follow it down the street to the sea? Why not? Lori R. Snyder’s debut novel is a “boundlessly imaginative” (PW) novel of self-discovery and delight for classroom read alouds, book clubs, and to entice lonely readers who need to believe that there is, indeed, a circus at the end of the sea.

Read Aloud
Listen to Lori L. Snyder read aloud (complete with heart-pounding sound effects):

Creator Interview
Watch Lori L. Snyder discuss the novel with Los Angeles Public Library:

Educator’s Guide (1-Ring Circus)
Created by veteran classroom teacher Judie Snyder, here are 5 pages of ideas to turn a read aloud of The Circus at the End of the Sea into a 1-Ring Circus of reader engagement.
DOWNLOAD Circus at the End of the Sea: 1-Ring Circus Educators Guide (PDF)

Educator’s Guide (2-Ring Circus)
Again created by educator Judie Snyder, here are 30 pages of chapter-by-chapter discussion questions and teachable moments for The Circus at the End of the Sea.
DOWNLOAD Circus at the End of the Sea: 2-Ring Circus Educators Guide (PDF)

Il Circo delle Strade Temporary Tattoos
When humans and other creatures with extraordinary talents join Il Circo delle Strade (a.k.a. the Circus at the End of the Sea), they are given a tattoo of the circus’ most extraordinary member—Kuma, the winged lion. These Kuma tattoos are printable on your laser printer with special paper.
DOWNLOAD Circus at the End of the Sea: Tattoo (PDF)

Human Heart Mending Kit
Maddy comes to Il Circo delle Strade with a heart torn by disease and circumstance. Il Circo’s heart is also struggling. Maddy discovers that she is not alone in the work to mend her heart. Heartmice, masters of stitchery, mend every human heart. Download this paper craft to remind your readers to both listen to and heal their hearts.
DOWNLOAD Circus at the End of the Sea: Heart Mending Kit (PDF)

Reader Deep Dives
Lori R. Snyder uses her blog to share real stories of everything from Circus Arts to Outstanding Octopuses.
SHARE with Readers

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Circus at the End of the Sea
By Lori R. Snyder
Published by HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN-13: 9780063047105
Age Range: 8 – 12 Years

Maddy Adriana knows that magic is real. All her life, her heart has pulled her towards things too perfect to be ordinary. One day, that tug leads her to a magical street circus, hidden in plain sight among the canals and boardwalks of Venice Beach.

For the first time in Maddy’s life, she finally feels like she belongs. But the circus is in grave danger. Maddy will need to confront the frightening side of magic, as well as her own deepest fears, if she’s to have any hope of saving the place she dreams of calling home.

“Lori Snyder’s debut novel is endlessly inventive – rich with both sly humor and deep truths. As a fabulous bonus, Ophelia, the heroine’s delightful octopus companion, is one of the best sidekicks ever! Adventure, mystery, heartbreak, and laughter abound in this wondrous first novel. Kids are going to love it.”
—Bruce Coville

“Snyder crafts a bittersweet, boundlessly imaginative story that emphasizes the bright and dark sides of life. Classic motifs help this enticing debut conjure its own special blend of magic.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Snyder’s debut is a truly weird and wonderful ride, full of breathtaking imagery and inventive settings….There is an earnest, uplifting tone that sustains the story. A love letter to a unique neighborhood, and a tender reminder to embrace both the light and the dark in life and in oneself.”
—Booklist

THE GIVEAWAY WINNERS

20 individual educators or librarians won a copy of this glorious novel. Tucked inside the cover of each was a bookmark, tattoo, and heart repair kit!