Belinda Murrell: Bringing Australian History To Life | Page 17

INSPIRATION

ABOUT THE SEQUIN STAR
Everyone in the circus has a secret – Claire’s is just more
unusual than most . . .
After her grandmother falls ill, Claire finds a
sequin star among her treasures. Why does
Claire’s wealthy grandmother own such a cheap
piece? The mystery deepens when the brooch
hurtles Claire back in time to 1932.
Claire finds herself stranded in the camp of
Sterling Brothers Circus. She is allowed to stay
– if she works hard. The Great Depression has
made life difficult for everyone, but Claire makes
friends with circus performers Rosina and Jem,
and a boy called Kit who comes night after night
to watch Rosina perform.

Max Murrell perfo

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When Kit is kidnapped, it’s up to Claire, Rosina and Jem to save him.
But Claire is starting to wonder who Kit and Rosina really are. One is
escaping poverty and the other is escaping wealth – can the two find
happiness together?

BOOKS THAT
HELPED WITH
RESEARCH
✓ Circus: The Australian Story
by Mark St Leon
✓ Circus Ring
by Mary Grant Bruce
✓ Haxby’s Circus
by Katharine Susannah Prichard
✓ Depression Down Under
edited by Len Fox
(Note that some of these books may not be
suitable for younger readers.) For some fabulous
websites, see The Sequin Star Teachers’
Resources at randomhouse.com.au/teachers

From the collection of the State Library of NSW.

✓ Sawdust in my Shoes
by Dollie Lennon

Wirth’s Circus comes to town! Sydney Town Hall is in the background.

randomhouse.com.au/teachers 17