Louie is found in a basket outside a circus caravan. Is it her destiny to join the circus and become, one day, perhaps perform that all important showstopper? Louie has so many unanswered questions about her mother and why she left her at the circus. Louie has become deeply angry that she was left behind rather like a lost umbrella.
In secret Louie begins to practice walking on ropes. She dreams of becoming a high wire walker but the circus owner Mr Chipchase forbids her to perform. He even makes her wear a hat and when she does appear in the ring with her dog she is covered with a huge baggy clown costume.
Louie idolises a man called Blondin - the hero of Niagara. She dreams of performing just like him. Then one day a young many arrives at the circus. He previously worked for the famous Mr Wellbeloved. His name gives will give astute readers an important clue. This man is not loved. He is a tyrant and his plan to gain fame and fortune mean he is happy to risk lives. He has his eyes on Louie and she falls for his tricks. Louie travels to America and within days finds herself walking across a tightrope over the famous and deadly falls.
"The first few steps took me out over the trees. Guy ropes led off sideways like giant ribs. I went slowly, feeling with my feet, letting the rope get used to me. The trees gave way to rocks, then water. The air grew cool. I smelled river. The roar of water made my ears sing. A few more steps and I stopped. The balance pole dipped left, then righted itself as I shifted my weight to look about me."
This is a gripping mystery for ages 10+.
The Girl who Walked on Air is Emma Carroll's second novel. It was published in 2014 but is still available. I have read and enjoyed many of her more recent books:
You could explore these picture books after reading The Girl who walked on Air:
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