Module Three: Mirette on the High Wire

This book is about Mirette, who lives in a boarding house. One day, a tight rope walker arrives, and for days Mirette watches him. She then gets up enough nerve to ask for lessons. She begins to learn the tricks of the trade. But her instructor has a secret...

Bibliography: McCully, Arnold Emily (1992). Mirette on the High Wire. G.P. Putnam's Sons, USA: New York

I knew I liked this story but it took me a little while to figure out why. It does have lovely pictures and a good story with a lesson of conquering your fears in it, but my connection to the story goes deeper. when I was a little, I remember going to see the orchestra. I fell in love with the flute. When I had a choice between band and choir, I chose band to learn to play the flute. I understand how Mirette felt when she saw the man on the tightrope, that feeling of I need to do that, I was born to do this.

Reviews:

Publishers Weekly

In this picture book set in 19th-century Paris, a child helps a daredevil who has lost his edge to regain his confidence. Many traveling performers stay at Madame Gateaux's boarding house, but Mme.'s daughter Mirette is particularly taken with one guest--the quiet gentleman who can walk along the clothesline without falling off. Mirette implores the boarder to teach her his craft, not knowing that her instructor is the ``Great Bellini'' of high wire fame. After much practice the girl joins Bellini on the wire as he conquers his fear and demonstrates to all of Paris that he is still the best. McCully's story has an exciting premise and starting point, but unfortunately ends up as a missed opportunity. Bellini's anxiety may be a bit sophisticated for the intended audience and, surprisingly, the scenes featuring Mirette and Bellini on the high wire lack drama and intensity. McCully's rich palette and skillful renderings of shadow and light sources make this an inviting postcard from the Old World. (Oct.)

Children's Literature

The Caldecott award for the year's best picture book in 1992 was given to Mirette on the High Wire, written and illustrated by McCully. Mirette is a fine model for young women five and up. She's a hard working nineteenth century girl who becomes curious about tightrope walking. Mirette is always eager and joyful through falls and triumphs. At the story's end, her compassion, courage, and quick wit help her teacher face his fear. Not only does this book present a strong heroine, but it tells important truths. Adults don't always have the answers. They too suffer from their fears, and understanding can transcend age.

School Library Journal

  Mirette's mother keeps a boardinghouse that attracts traveling performers . The girl is intrigued by one silent visitor, Bellini, who has come for a rest. She finds him next morning walking a high wire strung across the backyard. Immediately, she is drawn to it, practicing on it herself until she finds her balance and can walk its distance. But she finds the man unusually secretive about his identity; he was a famous high-wire artist, but has lost his courage. He is lured by an agent to make a comeback, but freezes on the wire. Seeing Mirette at the end of it restores his nerve; after the performance the two set off on a new career together. As improbable as the story is, its theatrical setting at some historical distance, replete with European architecture and exotic settings and people, helps lend credibility to this circus tale. Mirette, through determination and perhaps talent, trains herself, overcoming countless falls on cobblestone, vaunting pride that goes before a fall, and lack of encouragement from Bellini. The impressionistic paintings, full of mottled, rough edges and bright colors, capture both the detail and the general milieu of Paris in the last century. The colors are reminiscent of Toulouse-Lautrec, the daubing technique of Seurat. A satisfying, high-spirited adventure. --Ruth K. MacDonald

In the library, this could be used during story time or in a Caldecott award display.

Cover remains property of Nanette Stevenson.