Secret Heart (Almond book)

Secret Heart is a 2001 story by David Almond. It is about a boy, Joe, and his involvement with a circus.
Reception.
A "Booklist" starred review of "Secret Heart" wrote "With echoes of Ray Bradbury and William Blake, Secret Heart is filled with scenes of breathtaking beauty, wonder, and astonishment. It is an unforgettable achievement." while 
"the Horn Book" wrote "Almond's undeniable gifts unfortunately run away with him in this overwrought, self-indulgent story".
The "School Library Journal" found "Though not as mysterious as his other titles, this book has thought-provoking allegory that will engage older readers in more and more layers of meaning."; and "VOYA" called it "a very different coming-of-age story." 
"Secret Heart" has also been reviewed by "Publishers Weekly", and "Kirkus Reviews".