Circus Max

By Andy Croft and Sean Longcroft

Max has always wanted to be in a circus. The problem is, he's useless at performing. He's incredibly clumsy, no good at acrobatics, and his tricks all go wrong, no matter what he does. But that doesn't stop him trying…

When his school talent show is announced Max knows it's his time to shine. Can he prove to his friends and family once and for all that the circus is the place for him?

Highly readable, exciting books that take the struggle out of reading, Wired Connect encourages and supports reading practice by providing gripping, age-appropriate stories for struggling and reluctant readers or those with English as an additional language aged 9+, at a manageable length (64 pages) and reading level (7+). Produced in association with reading experts at CatchUp, a charity which aims to address underachievement caused by literacy and numeracy difficulties.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
• Release date: May 21, 2015
• ISBN: 9781472911971

Andy Croft

Andy Croft has written over forty non-fiction books (mostly about football) and four novels for teenagers. He has also written nine books of poetry and edited many poetry anthologies. Dead Wood is his second title for A & C Black's Wired series.

Book preview

Chapter One

Mad Max

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to the circus!

Enjoy the music!

Laugh at the clowns!

Watch the acrobats fly!

Be amazed by the animals!"

Max held out a big plastic hula-hoop and set fire to it with a match. The orange and black tabby cat sitting on the garden chair didn’t move.

Come on, Fluffy, whispered Max. Jump through the hula-hoop! You’re supposed to be a lion.

The cat yawned and closed her eyes.

Jump, you stupid cat! shouted Max. The flames were getting close to Max’s hand. He could feel the heat.

Jump before I. . . ow! Max dropped the burning hula-hoop on the grass. Ow, ow, ow! he