Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Falls

I think that this book is great for my class because it contains a story on immigration (I teach ESOL) and it has Niagara Falls in it which is the closest big tourist attraction to Rochester that is internationally known. The kids enjoy these books paired with The Man Who Walked Across the Twin Towers. It makes a nice theme of acrobatics, circuses and social activism.

Award winning author and illustrator, Emily Arnold McCully, has written another wonderful adventure, starring Mirette and Bellini. Our world famous high-wire walkers are sailing to America where they will perform at Niagara Falls. While on board ship, Mirette befriends a Polish orphan boy, Jakob, who's traveling to America to live with his uncle. When they arrive at Ellis Island, Jakob's uncle is not there to claim him. Bellini knows that Jakob will be sent back to Poland and so he decides to takes the little boy with them to Niagara Falls. When they arrive, they find their performance has turned into a big competition. A Mr Patch, who claims to be the greatest high-wire walker in America says that he will perform a trick that's never been done before on the wire, becoming the greatest tightrope walker in the world. He tells the press and anyone else who will listen that Mirette and Bellini will fall. The next day as Mirette and Bellini practice and supervise the wire installation across the falls, Jakob follows Patch and his men to find out what trick he has up his sleeve. And what he finds out saves his new friends lives..... Ms McCully's latest book is a delightful story of friendship, intrigue and courage. Her wonderful text and beautiful, expressive watercolor artwork will transport youngsters back in time to life at the turn of the century. And as little Jakob saves the day and Mirette and Bellini triumph, kids will enjoy the happily-ever-after ending. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Falls is a winner!