*received for free from netgalley for honest review* very cool kids book! i have never heard of the Amazing Martika but i'm happy i have now! very interesting

The story of Martika, who is an entertainer in circus discipline. Instead of joining one in her youth like most of the circus performer, she studied hard, got her degree in the university, but pursued her dream to be a multi-disciplines performer. And she made it!! A wonderful example of someone who pursue her dream with plans.

Thank you #NetGalley for my free review copy of #TheAmazingMartika !

As an adult very much interested in the material culture and history of sideshow and circus arts in America, I was so curious to read The Amazing Martika, a young-readers memoir by circus performer and sideshow artist Martika Daniels. Martika is a celebrated midwestern stunt woman and one of only three currently performing sword swallowers of color in the whole country, so I naturally wanted to learn more about her! She has an engaging, fascinating story and also what seems to be the corner on the market of contemporary circus memoirs for kids. Young readers are bound to delight in tales of Marika's journey from enthused observer to performer in dazzling feats like hula hooping, fire breathing, and sword swallowing.

In this book, The Amazing Martika herself takes the reader with her on her journey to becoming a circus performer. The art style is very much in the spirit of playful curiosity and adventure. While adults know that there are natural limitations to "anything is possible" messaging, Martika did achieve her dream and shows us how. She encourages young readers throughout to remain curious and motivated and explains that trying out your interests could open exciting doors. Her advice is inspiring and grounded. I also appreciated that she briefly touched on the problematic aspects of American circus history. Martika demonstrates how to be honest about history, while optimistic about change for the future.

As a note to Net Galley, my review copy here did not actually contain the book's text? Only a few sentences throughout were included and it was impossible to get a sense of the story without the text. I wound up buying a copy so I could read the book for a review. I appreciate my review copy as a blank volume of children's circus art, though.

This is a super cute and inspiring children's book about Martika Daniels. Martika has been interested in stunts since she saw street performers as a child. When she was in college, she visited a festival where she was able to talk to and be introduced to circus performances. She trained for years, learning hula hoop, fire tricks, and more before beginning life as a performer herself. Very inspirational and fun for kids and has great illustrations as well!

Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

The Amazing Martika was such a fun and bright book about a girl who grows up to join the circus! I really enjoyed all the illustrations and her tales of traveling the world with her family.


There were quite a number of pages without text, assuming those will be added before publishing!

The illustrations and real-life memoir of Martika Daniels made this a lovely picture book to read to my children. Unfortunately, in my ARC on the NetGalley app, some pages did not show the text, or had a blotted out section where text should go, but no text. Nevertheless we were able to get the feel of the story and understand the context that Martika worked hard to reach her dreams.

The performances were well illustrated, and the fact that the main character is African American made this even more appealing. I know that this will be a popular choice in our biographies section and I will recommend it to readers in our library.

The Amazing Martika is a wonderful story about events in the author's life. Martika saw a busker while in Italy with her family and was inspired to become a performer. Going from cheerleading and gymnastics to softball and dance; Martika shows readers that with hard work you can make your dreams come true. The illustrations are colorful and attention grabbing throughout this captivating story that is sure to inspire readers.

Special thanks to Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really loved the artwork for this picture book. It was bold and vibrant and beautiful. I enjoyed learning about Martika's life and what got her interested in the circus. At times, the book seemed to meander a bit. I wish there was a bit more information about how Martika trained for her stunts as well. Overall, a fun book that encourages youngsters to pursue their interests and dreams.

* Heartiest gratitude to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for allowing me to read 'The Amazing Martika".

Martika Daniels reflects on her eventful journey to pursue her passion for circus in this phenomenal book. It is an intriguing read as we follow young Martika determined to prosper in a field that brings her happiness. No, she didn't run away from home rather worked diligently for years to make her mark as an outstanding performer. She recalls the moment where it all began and briefly introduces the readers to several circus skills and the activities she engaged in from a young age to prepare herself. She taps into history as well, remembering brave souls who didn't choose this path intentionally but were forced into it and those who dared to conquer limitations. The illustrations are vibrant, refreshing and full of color, capturing Martika's emotions pretty accurately. People around the world now know her for her One Woman Stunt Show. As an inspiring figure, she preaches that anything is possible if you put your heart into it and with the support of your loved ones - the sky's the limit.

I thought this was such a cute and great story about Martika and wanting to become a circus performer. When she was a little girl when she saw the circus for the first time while in Europe with her family because her father was in the air force. After that moment Martika wanted to learn all she could about the circus and how it started and how to figure out to become one of their performers. She practiced everything and finally got it right. She works as a circus performer and loves it. I also think this picture book is beautiful.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Amazing Martika by Martika Daniels is a delightful children's picture book that will encourage children to follow their dreams and join the circus. The story follows how Martika, a real person, was inspired to join the circus when she was a child and how she eventually accomplished her dream.

Overall, The Amazing Martika is a great children's picture book that promotes persistence and diversity. One highlight of this book is that it features a black woman as the protagonist. It's so great to see more children's picture books featuring characters of color, and I am so happy to support this book. If you're intrigued by the description, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in February!

I found this picture book quite interesting and insightful. The illustrations are detailed and gave the perfect vibess for the theme. The great performers of the gone years which we might have forgotten or have no idea about have been brought up telling us about their lives and what they known for in brief.
An amazing collection told through the perspective of a young girl who wants to perform when she grows up. It's never too early to dream and it's never too late to start.

Thank you, author, for the advance reading copy.