Girl on a Wire

A ballerina, twirling on a wire high above the crowd. Horses, prancing like salsa dancers. Trapeze artists, flying like somersaulting falcons. And magic crackling through the air. Welcome to the Cirque American!

Sixteen-year-old Jules Maroni’s dream is to follow in her father’s footsteps as a high-wire walker. When her family is offered a prestigious role in the new Cirque American, it seems that Jules and the Amazing Maronis will finally get the spotlight they deserve. But the presence of the Flying Garcias may derail her plans. For decades, the two rival families have avoided each other as sworn enemies.

Jules ignores the drama and focuses on the wire, skyrocketing to fame as the girl in a red tutu who dances across the wire at death-defying heights. But when she discovers a peacock feather—an infamous object of bad luck—planted on her costume, Jules nearly loses her footing. She has no choice but to seek help from the unlikeliest of people: Remy Garcia, son of the Garcia clan matriarch, and the best trapeze artist in the Cirque.

As more mysterious talismans believed to possess unlucky magic appear, Jules and Remy unite to find the culprit. And if they don’t figure out what’s going on soon, Jules may be the first Maroni to do the unthinkable: fall.

Praise

“With a skillful blend of modern-day circus tales, classically ill-fated love, and mystery, Bond gives readers scenes from the wire that will make them sweat alongside Jules as she steps out with no net, and teens will thrill to Jules’ adventures as the Princess of the Air.”

Booklist Online

“The mystery is tense and nerve-wracking, and the acrobatics are gorgeously hair-raising.”

Kirkus Reviews

“The circus and its theatrical characters provide a fresh, vibrant back drop as author and PW contributor Bond (Blackwood) impressively describes a range of circus performances, while threading enticing slivers of magic and romance into her story. It’s a fascinating and enjoyable foray into circus life as seen through the eyes of an ambitious and talented performer.”

Publishers Weekly

“With a thrilling mystery, a hint of magic, and a touch of romance, Girl on a Wire takes readers into the fascinating world of circus performers.”

School Library Journal