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“Don’t look down!” is the first lesson Irene learns on the high wire.  

After the Nazis come to power she learns the second: “The circus is a family…”

Ages 10+
Pages 254
Publisher Second Story Press
Coming Jul 2024

Average Rating

24 Reviews

Featured Reviews

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Hidden on the High Wire by Joseph

Video review by Joseph
Hidden on the High Wire by Joseph
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Review by Mabel

Thirteen-year-old Irene Danner has been on the high wire for her family’s circus for years. But as the Nazis and Hitler gain power in Germany, her father has to close the Lorch Family Circus. Irene, her mother, and her Oma (grandmother) move to Darmstadt, but her non-Jewish father is forced to fight for Hitler. Now she must work for another circus, while hiding the fact that she is Jewish.

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Hidden on the High Wire by Maya

Video review by Maya
Hidden on the High Wire by Maya

Reader Reviews

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not for me

Review by Dog1

it was a great book but it was not the best. I recommend this book if you like short and sometimes sad books

Oct 10, 2024 01:57 PM
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cool

Review by NSC

a good book. I recommend it

Oct 08, 2024 10:56 PM
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Captivating

Review by Sah86

I loved this book. I felt like I was there.

Oct 07, 2024 02:06 PM
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A unique, unforgettable story

Review by LTinuviel

This is a truly unforgettable story that introduced me to something I hadn't known about: Jewish circus families. Irene and her mother endure similar hardships to other Jewish families in Germany during the Holocaust, trying to avoid capture by Nazis, but the way Irene hides in plain sight during her high-wire act is unique. I was moved by the courageous circus owner who takes Irene and her mother in to hide them. Best of all, Irene's story is a true story, not fictional!

Oct 03, 2024 02:23 PM
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Soooo good!

Review by alymery1

I loved this book! It tells an amazing story! Would definitely recommend!

Oct 02, 2024 09:28 PM

Parent Guide

It's 1939, and 13-year-old Irene Danner is a high-wire walker in the Lorch Family Circus. When the Nazis pass a law forbidding Jews to work, Irene's father, who is not Jewish, is forced to shut down the circus. Soon after that he is conscripted into Hitler's army. He goes reluctantly in the hope that his army service will protect his family. The owner of a circus knows Irene’s father and agrees to shelter Irene and her mother. When the Nazis come and search the camp, Irene and her mother hide and are protected by circus staff. Not long afterwards, Althoff reveals their identity to circus staff and fires the only performer who complains.
Parent Guide