Harley in the Sky

Really loved this story. It's a great contemporary YA that follows a girl who runs off to a circus to be a trapeze artist (a job I always wanted, but I could never do!). Despite the magic of the circus, the story also explores prominent themes about mental illness and stigma, identity (Harley is biracial), and trauma. The other members of the circus are explored in equal depth, like Vas, Dexi, Vivien, etc. The focus on the characters in Harley's circle of friends - while also not taking away from Harley as the MC - is something commendable that Bowman does. There's a lyrical way in which Bowman gets the reader to connect with Harley and the plot - something that brings about a poetic sense while also being exciting to read. The ending could've improved only in the sense that I wish Harley and her mother had planned to work together a bit more to get healthy (mentally). Overall, though, what an awesome read.