Best Circus Books
I talk about my time at the Zoo quite a lot, but did I mention I also worked for the circus? Yep! When reading the circus books below, I’m often reminded of my time with the circus and all of the behind-the-scenes knowledge. That’s why this list of the best circus books was so much fun to compile with Jackie.
When it comes to carnivals and circuses, I’ve always had a sweet spot. I used to work with my Aunt Jann, who our Instagram followers know well, during the summers of my college years when she handled publicity for the Los Angeles leg of the Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus tour.
I organized press events like elephant baths in The Grove, clown readings at local libraries, and early morning show appearances inside the three-ring circus. It was the highlight of summer, but also TONS of work.
Did you know the clowns used to sleep on train cars? Or that the Elephants really did walk to the various arenas because that was the easiest way to transport them? And yes… all those clowns really can fit in those tiny cars!
Anyway, I hope you love the books in the list below and that they give you as much joy as they gave us! Let us know which is your favorite!
The Best Circus Books
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Historical Fiction Circus Book
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen- Jump to Section
The Best Fantasy Circus Book
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern- Jump to Section
Books With Characters from the Circus
Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Album- Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Historical Fiction Books about the Circus
Water for Elephants
Author: Sara Gruen
Year: 2006
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: A Major Motion Picture starring Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, and Christoph Waltz
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I read this book long before we started the blog and I still recommend this book to everyone as a must-read.
It is the middle of the Great Depression and Jacob is orphaned just shy of earning his Veterinary degree. He finds himself a job with a circus caring for a menagerie as a way to continue working with animals but also to support himself.
Here he meets Marlena, the beautiful star of the show, and an untrainable elephant named Rosie. I loved everything about this book from the romance and tension to the beauty of the animals and their relationship with the people around them.
Trigger Warnings
Animal Cruelty
Why Jackie loves it
This is a unique story, unlike anything I have ever read. I am a huge animal lover and so this book spoke to my heart
Why Kirsten loves it
The relationship between Marlena and Jacob develops beautifully with such love and respect. It is a love story to be remembered.
Find this book in: Animal Novels for Adults / Best Romance Novels of All Time / Historical Fiction Romance / Circus Books
The Ringmaster’s Wife
Author: Kristy Cambron
Year: 2016
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I will always have a soft spot for the circus, so this novel picked me up when I needed it. The dual timeline is set 25 years apart about two different women at the center of the circus.
In the turn-of-the-century story, we get to meet Mable, the woman who will eventually become John Ringling’s wife. 25 years later, Rosamund is considering leaving her life as an English Lady behind to join the famous Ringling brothers circus.
Trigger Warnings
Infertility
Why Kirsten likes it
I loved when the women’s stories eventually intertwined. If you are looking for a circus historical fiction book, check this one out!
The Orphan’s Tale
Author: Pam Jenoff
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Noa has been cast out after becoming pregnant by a Nazi Soldier. She is forced to give up her baby as well and now finds herself living at a railway station and cleaning to earn her stay. When she finds a boxcar filled with Jewish infants being transported to a concentration camp, Noa grabs a baby and runs.
She finds safety with a German circus and must learn to become a trapeze artist to remain hidden in plain sight.
Trigger Warnings
Antisemitism
Why Jackie loves it
This is a powerful story about love and friendship and a beautiful read from books about WWII.
Find this book in: Best Books by Jewish Authors / Books About WWII / Best Historical Fiction Books / Circus Books
Circus of Wonders
Author: Elizabeth Macneal
Year: 2021
Genre: Fiction
More info: International Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Nell has always been different because of the birthmarks on her skin but she never expected that her father would use that difference to make a profit. When Jasper Juniper’s Circus of Wonder comes to town, Nell’s father sells her to Jasper as a leopard girl.
Jasper sees Nell and sets about making her into the star of his show and his ticket to stardom. When Nell starts to find friendship in her fellow performers and falls in love with Jasper’s brother Toby, the question is whether Toby can separate himself from Jasper and his past and whether Nell will take control of her story.
Why Jackie likes it
As circus books go, this one is totally unique. I really enjoyed the setting and Nell’s character growth.
Fantasy Circus Books
The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Year: 2011
Genre: Historical Fantasy Romance
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
The scene has been set for a magical competition between the pupils of two very powerful magicians. The stage: The Night Circus. The pupils, a man & a woman, are unsure of the rules, unsure of how to win, or when the competition will end.
As the competition continues, the opponents fall in love – a situation that only complicates their predicament. They are never quite sure of the rules or how to win.
Why Jackie loves it
Every word captivated me from beginning to end and I couldn’t put it down. The story was magical- both literally and figuratively and the descriptions are so vivid. This is one of my all-time favorite books. I have read this book a few times and each time, I get something different from the story.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is magic in a way that I never imagined it before. The story has twists and surprises that left me wondering how I didn’t see what was right there all along.
Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of all Time / The Best Carnival and Circus Books / Cozy Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels
Find more like this: Books Like the Night Circus
The Ladies of the Secret Circus
Author: Constance Sayers
Year:2021
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:16+
Plot
In 2004 Lara Barnes’s fiancé disappeared on their wedding day. As Lara searches for answers, she starts to unravel a family mystery that goes back to 1925. This book has everything. It’s a dark fantasy filled with mystery, disappearances, and magic.
Trigger Warnings
Murder
Why Jackie loves it
Have you ever loved a book so much that you couldn’t put it down but also didn’t want it to end? That is how I felt about the book! I don’t want to give more detail because I don’t want to spoil any part of this book- it was one of my favorite fantasies of 2021!
Find this book in: Books With Secret in the Title / Best Circus Books / Beach Reads 2021 / Books Like the Night Circus
Plot
Rosie and Ivory have grown up in their mother’s circus and are returning to Port’s End. It is a place closest to any home after years of traveling. As the circus prepares for opening night, fundamentalists seek to stop the show from continuing. But, as the show begins, a massive fire strikes the tent and that is only the beginning.
Why Jackie likes it
This YA fantasy book is a queer re-telling of Snow White and Rose Red (not to be confused with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs). It has been thoroughly reimagined and transformed in this book.
Find this book in: Books Like the Night Circus / Circus Books
Books with Characters from the Circus
The Five People You Meet in Heaven
Author: Mitch Albom
Year: 2006
Genre: Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 14+
Plot
83-year-old Eddie spends his days fixing rides at an amusement park. When he dies trying to save a little girl from a freak accident, he wakes up in the afterlife and meets 5 people he impacted while alive.
He thought he had lived a meaningless, unremarkable life. Instead, he finds out just how important he was to those around him as he learns secrets from his past.
Why Kirsten loves it
This short contemporary fiction novel packs a huge punch as Albom attempts to answer the meaning of life. This one-sitting read is like a warm hug. A must-read at some point in your life.
Find this book in: Carnival Books
The Engineer’s Wife
Author: Tracey Enerson Wood
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I had no idea that a woman was so instrumental in the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. Emily Warren Roebling is the focus of this historical fiction novel.
I loved learning about New York at the time of the bridge building and how hard Emily fought for her right to be part of the building.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s also humbling to understand the dangers of building in the 1860s and 70s. Men risked their lives for the betterment of society. On the lighter side, all the scenes with P.T. Barnum made me smile. I used to work for the circus after all!
Find this book in: Books Set in New York / Gilded Age Books / Best Circus Books
Expert Tip
If you are looking for a circus book, this list is divided into two pretty distinct sections: Historical fiction and fantasy
- Circuses were popular from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. There are many fantastic historical fiction books about the circus on this list.
- The fantasy circus books on this list are so unique. If you are looking for a circus book and are not familiar with fantasy, these are the perfect books to start with.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best circus books?
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen are two must-read circus books.
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Epilogue
Which circus books made your to-read list?
I read a wonderful book about a young girl who has the genetic disorder that causes hair growth all over the body. She is concealed in the attic of her home by her family until she is sold into a traveling carnival or circus. Do you know the title and author of this book?
Unfortunately, I don’t!