Glass Dreams

Helen Laycock’s beautifully told story of intertwining destinies, mad adventures, magical crystal balls, and a traveling circus is filled with her usual array of interesting characters: snarky villains, loving grandparents, talented sidekicks, sweet animals, and especially smart and plucky children who are able to outwit the bad guys at every turn and save the day. Young Jake is heartbroken at the death of his grandmother. Because he has no known relatives, Social Services comes and treats him kindly but in the end puts him in a Care Facility where the kids rule and there is constant noise, mayhem, and bullying. Jake is too smart to stick around for more than a few hours before he runs away and spends the night in a caravan with a mysterious but wonderful little girl named Khala. She’s part of a circus that has it’s own share of mayhem and more than a touch of evil. Khala invites Jake to come with her, join the circus, and help her combat the evil ringmaster who has turned his entire operation into a gang of thieves. This is a wonderful, sometimes scary ride for children and adults alike. But it’s the ongoing kindness, wit, cleverness, and self-reliance of Jake and Khala that give everyone (characters and readers alike) the feeling that everything will turn out for the best.

An imaginative circus-centric story that goes far deeper than simply marvelous acts in a traveling circus. It holds deep emotion and nuanced backstories. Though it's marketed for children, as a 36 year old, I really enjoyed the book. I appreciated it for its tight yet beautiful prose, dynamic main characters, and layered plot. I plan to purchase a copy for my niece this upcoming Christmas, and I know she will love it.

When Jake discovers his beloved grandmother dead in her bed, life as he knew it is forever changed. Social services drops him with a loving, yet temporary couple, and then to an out-of-control care home. Taking his destiny into his own hands, Jake runs away and ends up joining the circus. This book has more twists and turns than a roller coaster. The characters are well drawn, and you’ll find yourself rooting for Jake and his friends to find acceptance and love. Highly recommend.

The death of any close relative is life altering, but for Jake, it doesn't stop there when, after his grandmother's death, he discovers a box that holds the answers to his past, present, and future. This book deserves four stars for its amazing beginning and well-imagined world. It is so light despite its dark topics, never treading too far into the morbidity other books of the same nature may do. It is fun, and when it comes to middle grade books, that's what they should be and this book succeeds in that respect. Besides that, it is a quick read, taking me less than three hours over three days, so it is a wonderful short trip into another world.

I really enjoyed this book! Full of suspense and adventure. I couldn't wait to read what happened next! I do think this book is a little too advanced for my kids, 9 and 11. I would actually say this book is more for ages 13 to 15, but that's just my opinion.

Glass Dreams draws you in from the first sentence. Ms. Laycock is a master storyteller that takes you on an amazing journey with Jake and Khala into the heart of a circus. Brilliantly vibrant and so much fun! Fantastic read for the little ones.

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review. This is a fantastic children's book! I loved it! Jake is a fantastic character! He's only 12, but he seemed very mature for his age. I loved his attitude. I'm not sure I was as focused at his age though! This is an amazing story of a boy, a circus and a family secret. There are some other wonderful characters: Khala and Cedric, just to name a couple! Khala is a very brave person. She is also kind-hearted; I loved her warmth to a complete stranger. But I was horrified at the abuse she and the other circus performers had to deal with! Cedric made me laugh at his insistence of using Jake as a part of his knife throwing act! (He's absolutely terrible at it!). There is enough action, adventure, danger and mystery in this book to get my heart pumping, never mind a child's! Helen Laycock has written a fast paced action adventure that will keep even children with short attention spans hooked! I highly recommend this book for children from the age of 7 upwards. Adults may enjoy it too! - Lynn Worton

Older children, maybe 11-14, might like this story of a boy who finds himself 'running away to the circus' (there is more to it than that, but I don't want to spoil it). Helen Laycock keeps the language and narrative straightforward, so it's an easy read. I bought it for my 11yr old daughter to develop her personal reading, but it's become her 'bedtime story' with me. We're about half way through & I am very intrigued as to how events will progress and reach their conclusion for the 2 main characters. It might be important to note that the story begins with a bereavement. It is handled in a very matter-of-fact way, not dwelt upon, but it might be upsetting for a child who has just experienced this. Equally, it might help them to deal with it. An enjoyable read.

Rich vocabulary, a nail biting plot, characters who stay with you long after you put the book down - Glass Dreams has everything that transports you from the pages of the book into the world of Jake and his associates. Helen Laycock has what all good authors have - the ability to create an extremely interesting world in which to place her characters, in Glass Dreams it is a dark and dangerous circus. While being interested in what happens to Jake, Khala &Cedric and wanting to find out the big family secret, the place Jake inhabits is just as exciting. Laycock's beautiful and imaginative descriptions of events leave you totally immersed. I can't wait to be transported by her next book.

My eight year old daughter and I loved this and raced through to see the mystery unravel! Perfect mix of intrigue and a pull at the heart strings.

A great circus story for the young adult market - I think my 13 year old grandson will enjoy it.