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Best Books for Kids ยป Ages 9-12

Circus Maximus: Race to the Death by Annelise Gray
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Circus Maximus: Race to the Death

by Annelise Gray

Recommendations from our site

Circus Maximus is a gripping novel set in ancient Rome, centred on the world of chariot racing. Readers meet Dido, a 12 year old girl who loves to look after the horses her father trains. Girls do not compete, but Dido nevertheless dreams of racing in the Circus. When she witnesses a crime she has to go on the run from the Praetorian guard. We follow her journey over the next couple of years as she finds ways to train as a charioteer whilst longing to be reunited with her beloved horse Porcellus. Meanwhile the unpredictable emperor Caligula has become obsessed with chariot racing, raising the stakes for all involved to ever more dangerous levels. The story wears the historical detail lightly but very convincingly.

Ages 8+ but really just as exciting for teens

Best Kids' Books of 2021

Other books by Annelise Gray

Rider of the Storm by Annelise Gray

Rider of the Storm
by Annelise Gray

Rivals on the Track by Annelise Gray

Rivals on the Track
by Annelise Gray

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