Families who loved Spartacus and the Circus of Shadows by Molly E. Johnson often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child feels like they do not quite fit in or is struggling to find their unique voice in a crowded world. This whimsical story follows Spartacus, an endearing protagonist who feels like a shadow in his own life until he discovers the mysterious and magical Circus of Shadows. Through his journey, the book explores the quiet tension between feeling invisible and the desire to be seen for who you truly are. While the setting is fantastical, the emotional core is deeply relatable for children aged 6 to 10 who are navigating social hierarchies or performance anxiety. It is a gentle, imaginative tool for normalizing the feeling of being an outsider. Parents will appreciate how the story celebrates individuality and the courage it takes to step into the light, even when that light feels intimidatingly bright. It offers a soft landing for kids who need to know that their 'shadow' self is just as valuable as their 'spotlight' self.
