Sawdust in His Shoes

by Eloise Jarvis McGraw and Eloise McGraw

Book Overview

An outsider becomes a hero and a boy becomes a man in this classic coming-of-age tale from the heyday of the three-ring circus, by three-time Newbery Honor Book author Eloise Jarvis McGraw.

The circus is all young Joe Lang knows. The third generation of a circus family, he becomes a star bareback rider by the time he turns fifteen. But when his father, a lion-tamer, is killed by one of his cats, Joe becomes an orphan and is...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0874868262
• ISBN13: 9780874868265
• Release Date: June 2018
• Publisher: Plough Publishing House
• Length: 278 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 7.9"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

One of my favorite books!!!

The main character, fifteen year-old Joe Lansky, grew up in the circus like his parents had. Preforming with the horses, Joe was a star. However, when his dad, a lion-tamer, was killed, Joe was sent to a school. He hated it there, and was determined to get back to his best friend, Mo Shapley, a clown, who wanted to adopt Joe. On his run to freedom, Joe got hurt, and a kind family took him in. Joe stayed with them during the summer, and gradually he changed his mind, there were some good people outside of the circus too. The neighbors didn't trust Joe and he kept his background a secret. However, one day his talent is needed to save a boy's life. I loved this book! Eloise J. McGraw's writing makes you feel like you're right along in the story. I'm surprised this book isn't more popular than it is!!!