The adventures of Stunt Boy and his amazing wonder dog Blindfold by Lollie Barr

Pan Macmillan, 2014. ISBN 9781742613673
(Age: 9+) Recommended. Adventure. Circus. Bike stunts. When Stunt Boy's dad, Fred Stoke comes off his bike during a routine display for the Stoked Stunt Circus, owned by the family, Stunt Boy is suspicious. The circus manager, Ginger Styles takes over but when Stunt Boy sees her talking to his father's rival, Chesterley, he decides to investigate further. With dad in hospital in a coma, he must work alone. But he has two companions, Benny his best friend, and his dog, Blindfold. They decide to raid the other circus and getting themselves caught, end up locked in cage next to the lion cage. Here they are able to see some of the goings on in this circus where animals are treated poorly, but when the Police turn up, it is Stunt Boy and Benny who get into trouble.
The boys find that their circus is on the edge of bankruptcy and are able to persuade a famous rider to ride for them for free. All seems well but Stunt Boy's uncles turn up, bent on selling the circus now that their brother is incapacitated, and so Stunt Boy's problems deepen.
This is a funny story of circuses and adventure where two young boys and their dog are able to save the family business, learning a lot about human nature along the way. They expose some illegal activities in the rival circus and of course save the day at their own. A warm story for upper primary boys.
Fran Knight