Freaks

June 1, 2006
Gr 9 Up -This quirky fantasy by Annette Curtis Klause (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2005), set at the turn of the 20th century, finds Abel Dandy, a -normal - teen, living in Faeryland. This circus-like colony of performers includes his own parents -one with no arms, the other with no legs -and many other of nature -s most dramatically different people. Klause quickly establishes an unusual perspective. These people, who have unusual physical appearances, are just the same on the inside as any other people, and they have found a way to earn a living and maintain their own self-respect through their unusual acts. Abel yearns for adventure and to make his own fortune in the world, so he ventures off to another circus hoping to showcase his knife-throwing act. Having been followed by his 12-year-old friend, the Dog Boy, Abel feels that he is responsible for rescuing the youngster from the evil confines of a true Freak Show run by the nefarious Dr. Mink and a cadre of sadistic thugs. An assortment of affected children have been kidnapped by Mink and held along with a few adults similar to the performers Abel has lived with all his life. A thrilling chase, dramatic rescues, and an other-worldly love story involving a beautiful dancer trapped for centuries as an Egyptian mummy make this a thoroughly off-beat and enjoyable tale. Narrator Ramon de Ocampo provides a stellar reading, giving each character a distinct voice. At the end of the tale, there is an author -s note about the historical basis for the setting and characters. A gripping tale that combines fantasy with reality. -"Jane P. Fenn, Corning-Painted Post West High School, NY"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.