Circus Maximus: Return of the Champion – at a glance
The School Reading Lists’ five word review: In depth historical horse adventure.
Children’s book title: Circus Maximus: Return of the Champion.
Children’s author: Annelise Gray.
Genre: Children’s historical fiction.
Published by: Zephyr Books.
ISBN: 9781803281117.
Recommended for children aged: 9+ year-olds.
First published: Paperback September 2024.
This children’s book is ideal for: horse lovers, or those with a keen interest in Roman times.
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Our review:
Return of the Champion, the final part in this compelling series really evokes the historical period of the story, as well as providing an action-packed plot. For existing fans of the series, it is fair to say that this last instalment will not disappoint, and it seems fair to suggest that there is the possibility of other parallel plot lines which may emerge in the future. It would also, however, be fair to say that this is a densely packed story of nearly 350 pages, which some junior readers may find a challenge; similarly, prior knowledge of events covered in the first three stories is hugely beneficial to the reader’s relationship with this plot.
The Circus Maximus series offers a classic feel – both in character and in plot lines. There is the traditional sense of a search for justice and of a struggle for characters to defy their fate or class. Yet, amongst this more traditional adventure, there are also themes which are explored across the series and will resonate with a modern audience: gender and how this should not define you, revenge and forgiveness, and perseverance. Such themes ensure this title would have considerable appeal for a reading group in UKS2 or KS3. The title also has obvious appeal for classes studying the Romans and looking for fictional texts to support such a unit.
Beyond topic appeal, the plot itself is detailed and audacious. Such is the depth that there is a list of characters at the start, information on chariots of the time, and continual historical references and learning points dropped throughout the length of the volume. This is the sort of title secure and passionate readers can really immerse themselves in and relish the absorbing descriptions and indeed their own advancing reading confidence. It would work equally well for those horse-mad readers who are looking for another series featuring their favourite animal.
There are strong characters of both genders, which is advantageous, and it is a useful point of discussion from the previous texts to see the development of Dido’s character during this title – with much to offer the intended age audience. Not for the faint-hearted, but a great read for confident, independent older readers!
Our verdict:
For pupils in Y4 upwards, this book would be suitable, either as topic support for a study on Roman life or to support English units looking at writing adventure stories. For reading for pleasure purposes, it perhaps has a more specific appeal – either via the horse focus or the historical context.
Teaching points and book club discussion ideas:
Many thanks to Zephyr Books for the review copy.
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If you like Circus Maximus: Return of the Champion by Annelise Gray you might also like: our reviews of Circus Maximus: Rider of the Storm by Annelise Gray, Delta and the Lost City by Anna Fargher, Adventures in Time: Alexander the Great By Dominic Sandbrook, My Family and Other Romans by Marie Basting, Vita and the Gladiator by Ally Sherrick and our Romans topic book list.
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