A disappointment from birth because she was simply a girl, Ellen-Jane lived a difficult life. She is adored by her father, which compensates for her mother having no time for her. Her mother had yearned for a bouncing baby boy. But when a terrible tragedy leaves her family in need of money, will Jane be able to put bread on the table, and cope in her new career as an acrobat?

This book was, simply, OK. It provided few thrills for me and would most certainly provide more for eight to 12 year olds. I know that because when I first read it (at the age of 12) I enjoyed it much more.

There are a few reasons why I have my doubts about this being a great book, but before saying them I would like to put across the point that this book is just a way for Jacqueline Wilson to extend the Hetty Feather series after years of not writing particularly fresh and unique books.

This is not a controversial book. It doesn't reach to point out many problems in society, though it does make a point of talking about child abuse. There is not a multi-cultural character in sight; it's just the same perfect British white girl. This is not to say that poverty isn't a horrible ordeal, but Wilson does not even go out of her way to show this, apart from in the cruelty of some characters.

I have to give this book six out of ten. The only word I can think of to call it, even though it isn't really a word, is "meh".

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