For a similar historical setting and focus on animals:
* "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern: While not strictly a circus book, this novel features a magical competition between two young magicians, using a fantastical circus as a backdrop. It's atmospheric and richly imaginative.
* "The Tiger Rising" by Kate DiCamillo: This heartwarming middle-grade novel follows a young boy who finds a caged tiger and learns about courage, loss, and finding your own path.
* "The Elephant Whisperers" by Lawrence Anthony: This true story recounts the experiences of a wildlife conservationist who rescues and rehabilitates elephants in South Africa.
* "Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen" by Christopher McDougall: Though not strictly a circus book, it explores the history of the Tarahumara tribe in Mexico and their long-distance running skills, which they used in a "running circus" of sorts.
For exploring circus life from a different perspective:
* "The Greatest Showman: The Biography of P.T. Barnum" by Neil Harris: A biography of the famous showman behind the Barnum & Bailey Circus, offering insights into the business and history of circuses.
* "The Circus of the Extraordinary and Other Essays" by Steve Coll: A collection of essays exploring the history and culture of circuses, touching on themes of spectacle, identity, and the lure of the unusual.
* "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern: As mentioned before, this magical tale features a circus as a setting, but focuses on the magic and intrigue rather than the animals.
Ultimately, the "best" book for you will depend on your individual preferences. Consider what aspects of "Water for Elephants" you enjoyed the most and use that as a guide to exploring similar titles.