'Toby Tyler or Ten Weeks with a Circus' Summary

Toby Tyler, a 10-year-old orphan, yearns for a life beyond the confines of his foster home. Allured by the spectacle of a traveling circus, he runs away and joins the troupe. Initially enamored by the excitement and camaraderie, Toby soon discovers the grim reality behind the glittering facade. He witnesses animal cruelty, exploitation, and the harsh treatment inflicted by the tyrannical circus owner. Amidst these trials, Toby forms an unlikely friendship with Mr. Stubbs, a chimpanzee, who becomes his confidant and mentor. As their bond deepens, Toby grapples with the complexities of morality, questioning his own innate instincts against the guidance of his conscience.