What do stories of kids running away to join the circus tell us about Wisconsin’s history?

Circus shows were in their golden age during the late 1800s. Behind the amazing feats and fun the shows promised was a major business enterprise. Circus workers formed a traveling city that was on the road nearly every day from spring through fall, thanks to the railroad. Today, Circus World stands at the site where circus history began right here in Wisconsin!

This episode is part of The Look Back, a series made for learners in grades 4-6 that explores eras from Wisconsin’s history through artifacts. The collection is hosted by historians who model an inquiry process: sharing artifacts, asking questions, visiting archives and museums to learn more, telling the story of their findings as they go, and making connections to our lives today.

This Latino activist’s big heart made him a natural community builder and justice seeker for Latinos in Milwaukee.

Resources available for exploring this story include:
- A short animated video, with versions in English and Spanish and captions and a transcript available for each version
- A short biography book accessible as a slide deck, with per-page audio for listening along, and maps of key locations in the story, also available in English and Spanish
- Questions that can be used for conversation, reflection, and connection with the story
- A historical image gallery full of primary and secondary sources to explore
- A guide for activating the media with learners that includes story stats, extension activity ideas, and standards supported

This story is part of Wisconsin Biographies, a collection of educational media resources for grades 3-6. Explore the full collection at pbswisconsineducation.org/biographies.

The Middle Grades Literature Study practiced “reading like a teacher” in order to use high-quality, current and diverse middle grade texts within instructional materials to ensure students are meeting grade-level reading standards, can read and comprehend a variety of complex literary and informational texts, while better understanding themselves and others and experiencing the joy of reading. The resources provided include ideas for meeting grade-level standards in grades 3-6, completed text complexity analyses, and additional resources and texts to consider. We hope these might serve as a model for literacy leaders and teachers to replicate at the local level.