The Great and Only Barnum by Candace Fleming





BIBLIOGRAPHY: Fleming, Candace. 2009. The Great and Only Barnum- The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P.T. Barnum. New York, NY: Random House Children's Books. ISBN 9780375841972

PLOT SUMMARY: Biography about P.T. Barum and his attractions.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS: Fleming not only chronicles the life of P.T. Barnum in this "biography" but also informs the reader about the early circus, sideshow and entertainment of the early 1900's. Fleming's illustrations to each chapter invokes the feel of the circus, with depictions of posters and advertisements of the period. With pictures and photographs throughout the book, Fleming also enlightens the reader to the era. Teens will be entertained by the section of the sideshow "freaks" and attractions. Though Fleming does discuss the life of Barnum, she also informs the reader about the whole circus history and how Barnum brought it life, itself.

AWARDS AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S):

From Booklist:
Starred Review. “The material is inherently juicy, but credit Fleming’s vivacious prose, bountiful period illustrations, and copious source notes for fashioning a full picture of one of the forbearers of modern celebrity.”--June 1, 2009


Publishers Weekly:
"Audiences will step right up to this illuminating and thorough portrait of an entertainment legend"
August 31, 2009

CONNECTIONS: This book would appeal to teens, especially the section about the side show attractions.