Hideaway is a contemporary fantasy for children and preteens written by Gregory Pshide. There's a special tent in The Drake Travelling Circus, and it's called the Hideaway. It's for the four circus members who are orphaned children. Each of them is apprenticed to learn a skill to become a part of the circus and, when their chores and lessons are done, they meet and spend time in Hideaway. Theloneus Drake, the ringmaster and circus owner, has a special interest in these children. One evening, he brings a fifth child into their circle; his name is Nat and he's 10, a little younger than the rest of them. The others giggle at his over-sized clown shoes which he forgot to remove. Drake gives each of the children a gift, something quite special, which they cannot show or discuss with anyone except each other.

Gregory Pshide's contemporary fantasy, Hideaway, was written for children and preteens, but I soon found myself enchanted by Drake's Travelling Circus and working along with the children to figure out their gifts and how to use them. I loved the 1930s setting and the feeling I got experiencing how those travelling circuses put a bit of excitement in the ordinary lives of townspeople across the country. Pshide's characters are marvelous, especially Drake and his confidant, Hossiah Bartholomew Frost. The five kids are a treat to watch as they train in their circus careers and work together to learn about their gifts. There's also a lot to think about in Hideaway, about having confidence and strength in your convictions, about diversity, and about growing up. Hideaway is magical and inspirational, and it's most highly recommended.

Hideaway by Gregory Pshide is a wonderful story about a group of orphaned kids who are apprentices at a travelling circus. Characters include Sydney Dyle, the fortune teller, Carlos Ferrante, the acrobat, Annie Devlin, the animal trainer, Augustus “Auggie” Haven, the magician, and Nathaniel “Nat” Case, the clown. Thelonius Drake, ringmaster and owner of The Drake Traveling Circus, has provided them with a special tent known as Hideaway.

Each child has a unique gift. Sydney really is a fortune teller. However, her visions are expressed through gibberish talk, which only Nat can interpret. Carlos is able to move things, Annie can talk to the animals, and Auggie can make things disappear. Yet their gifts are still in their infancy and don't work most of the time. My favorite character would be Nat. Even though in the beginning he seems to be less interesting than the other gifted children, it is as if he is the missing puzzle that completes the group.

In this story set in the 1930s, Pshide has come up with an excellent concept for Hideaway’s world. The bizarre yet fascinating environs of the circus definitely suit the story. Told in short chapters, Hideaway is easily a fast paced, engaging read. On the whole, Hideaway is absolutely worth the read if you’re looking for a new, great classic. It certainly has depth and thought. Pshide’s narration is boosted by solid descriptive prose. The transition of events is flawless – I truly enjoyed reading and following the characters’ journeys and personal growth.