Wonder Show

Portia's life in the Midwest of the 1930's is not all she would like.  First, her mother dies, then her extended family of gypsies leaves, and finally, her father abandons her to the care of Aunt Sophia.  But Aunt Sophia doesn't know what to do with a girl whose heart is full of mischief and whose head is full of stories.

Once Aunt Sophia has had enough, she sends Portia to McGreavey's Home for Wayward Girls.  Here Portia is subjected to a life of misery and fear.  She hates this new life and wonders how her father will ever find her.  The one thing she remembers about Max is that he loved the circus, so when a circus comes to town, Portia decides to make her escape and begin looking for her father.

The Wonder Show is a strange collection of people with physical oddities.  They aren't like the marvels who look normal but can perform amazing feats.  No, the freaks include a bearded lady, conjoined twins, a giant, and a little person among others.  Portia's search for her family continues as she becomes a part of the circus herself.