You might know Betsy Bird as the Collection Development Manager of the Evanston Public Library, or as the former Youth Materials Specialist of New York Public Library. Or for her widely read children's literature blog, A Fuse #8 Production, which is hosted by School Library Journal. Or for her previous books including Funny Girl, an anthology of humorous stories, and the picture books Giant Dance Party and The Great Santa Stakeout.

Now she's also the author of Long Road to the Circus, a girl-empowering, funny, and fast-paced historical adventure, with illustrations by Caldecott medal-winning illustrator David Small. Twelve-year-old Suzy Bowles is tired of summers filled with chores on her family farm in Burr Oak, Michigan, and desperate to see the world. When her wayward uncle moves back home to the farm, only to skip his chores every morning for mysterious reasons, Suzy decides to find out what he's up to once and for all. And that's when she meets legendary former circus queen Madame Marantette and her ostriches. Before long, Suzy finds herself caught-up in the fast-paced, hilarious world of ostrich riding, a rollicking adventure that just might be her ticket out of Burr Oak. (Ages 10 and up).

Betsy will stop by our gift store at 1716 Sherman for an in-person signing event! If you can't make it to the signing but would still like a signed or personalized copy, please place an order by October 8th.

Betsy Bird is the Collection Development Manager of Evanston Public Library, and the former Youth Materials Specialist of New York Public Library. She blogs frequently at the School Library Journal site A Fuse #8 Production, and reviews for Kirkus and the New York Times on occasion.