Mirette on the High Wire

Mirette on the High Wire transports readers to late 19th-century Paris, where young Mirette lives and works at her mother's boarding house for circus performers. The Caldecott Medal-winning illustrations capture the atmosphere of the bustling boarding house and the city's vibrant entertainment scene. When a mysterious retired tightrope walker takes residence at the boarding house, Mirette becomes fascinated by his skill. She begins secretly practicing tightrope walking herself, determined to master the art despite its challenges and risks. The story follows Mirette's journey from admirer to apprentice, exploring her relationship with the famous wire-walker Bellini. Their connection becomes a catalyst for both characters' growth and transformation. This tale speaks to themes of courage, perseverance, and the special bond between mentor and student. Through its depiction of circus arts and determination, the book celebrates the pursuit of seemingly impossible dreams.

Readers appreciate the historical Paris setting, detailed watercolor illustrations, and the book's message about overcoming fear through determination. Parents and teachers note it works well for discussing perseverance with children ages 4-8. Specific praise focuses on the relationship between Mirette and Bellini, with many reviewers highlighting how their friendship develops naturally. Multiple readers mention the dramatic tension in the wire-walking scenes. Common criticisms include the text length being too long for very young children and some historical inaccuracies about wire-walking techniques. A few readers found the plot predictable. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (120+ ratings) Scholastic: 4.5/5 (80+ ratings) "The illustrations make you feel the height and danger," notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review states: "My 6-year-old was on the edge of her seat during the climactic scene." The book won the 1993 Caldecott Medal.

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🎨 The book's Caldecott Medal-winning watercolor illustrations were inspired by actual photographs of 19th-century Paris street scenes. 🎪 High-wire walking gained massive popularity in Paris during the 1800s, with performers like Charles Blondin drawing crowds of thousands. ✍️ Author Emily Arnold McCully is also an accomplished actor and has performed in numerous theatrical productions, bringing a performer's understanding to her storytelling. 🇫🇷 The boarding house setting accurately reflects 1890s Paris, where such establishments were common havens for traveling artists and circus performers. 🎭 The character of Bellini was inspired by real-life wirewalker Jean-François Gravelet (known as Blondin), who famously crossed Niagara Falls on a tightrope in 1859.