Betti on the high wire by Lisa Railsback

What happens when a young orphan girl living in a war torn village of a foreign country is suddenly thrust into a new, American family?  Well, Babo is about to find out whether she likes it or not.  For her rough life in the old circus campground may seem wonderful to her but that is only because she does not remember any better. 

Babo's current life revolves around gathering food, keeping the younger kids safe and out of trouble and watching out for soldiers.  For the country is still in the midst of a war and everyone must be careful, even the orphans. But when the visitors come and pick Babo (soon to be know as Betti) and George, she is stunned and fearful.  What will life be like in America and how will her real parents find her if she is gone?  

Once Betti gets to America and sees her new parents again, life becomes even more scary.  She doesn't speak or understand the language, people want to take away her most precious possesions, and she is supposed to go somewhere called "camp"  with her new sister, Lucy.  Plus, to punish people who are bad, they are locked up in the box thing called television and forced to perform "shows".  The new country is very scary and Betti just really wants to go back to her little circus camp with her friends. 

Perhaps if she is bad enough, her new parents will send her back?  When Lucy gets injured while the girls are being naughty, Betti things maybe this is the ticket home.... but will it be?   Only time will tell.

This novel captures the fears and concerns of all children facing tough new living situations, whether it be a new step parent, an adoption, or even the fears of moving or a new child.  Some of each of those fears can be found in this heart renching story.

age range: 9 to 14

Railsback, L. (2010). Betti on the high wire . New York: Dial Books.