Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thinly stretched plot takes air out of fun idea.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
The Quirks are doing their best to keep a low profile in their new town, Normal. This means hiding their magic: Gran is a fairy, Grandpa manipulates time, mom Bree manipulates minds, young Finn is usually invisible, and Penelope's thoughts become real. Only her twin, Molly, seems to have no magic. They're starting to settle in, and the kids are delighted to be practicing for parts in a real circus visiting town: Molly's learning to walk a tightrope, Finn's juggling, and Penelope's a natural on the trapeze. But their spying neighbor, Mrs. DeVille, suspects there's something odd about the Quirk family. The kids fear her nosiness will run them out of town before they even get to perform.
Is It Any Good?
THE QUIRKS IN CIRCUS QUIRKUS -- the second book featuring the magical Quirk family -- is a fast and easy-to-read chapter book. The circus story line is especially appealing to young readers, who will giggle at the silly antics and especially Finn's mischief. They may find it strange that the kids are so reluctant to discuss their very serious concerns about their neighbor with the grown-ups in their family, though, and that the adults are so unconcerned.
Everything turns out well in the end, with the family forging an unlikely friendship with someone who turns out to be far more appealing than they suspected. It's a nice lesson, but parents might wish there was a little more accountability for everyone's actions.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about privacy: Mrs. DeVille says snooping is OK because neighbors are supposed to keep an eye on each other. Where do you draw the line between public and private?
Why do you think stories about kids with special powers are so popular?
How do handle it when you think someone is being nosy?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Kelly Light
- Genre : Humor
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Bloomsbury USA
- Publication date : February 19, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 240
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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