Escape! The Story of the Great Houdini by Sid Fleischman

Escape! The Story of the Great Houdini by Sid Fleischman

Summary:

Sid Fleischman presents the biography of the great magician, Harry Houdini. The biography provides information about his birth, career, personal life and death. The book not only focuses on his life of magic, but also presents his other endeavors in acting, flying, publishing and Spiritualism. The book includes over 40 photographs/illustrations, an index and an annotated bibliography.

Review:

The topic of the book, Houdini, will draw tweens to the book. However, the writing style and perspective will keep the tween reading. In this book, the reader learns about Sid Fleischman in addition to the main topic, Houdini. Fleischman’s personal comments and perspective makes the book a bit more personal. However, the real genius in this book is Fleischman’s artistry as he uses imaginative and challenging words to describe each situation. As a result, the tween reader may need to keep a dictionary handy!

I chose to read this book while considering it as a new addition to the school district’s summer reading list. While I think the merits of the book support its inclusion, I also believe it’s a fitting honor for one of the city’s local authors who passed away on March 17, 2010.

Awards:

* New York Public Library's "One Hundred Titles for Reading and Sharing"
* School Library Journal Best Book
* ALA Notable Children’s Book
* ALA Best Book for Young Adults
* New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age
* Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Honor Book
* Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award Masterlist (Vermont)
* School Library Journal Best Book
* ALA Notable Children’s Book
* ALA Best Book for Young Adults
* New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age
* Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Honor Book
* Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award Masterlist (Vermont)

Links:

Read about Sid Fleischman in SLJ’s recent article: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6723533.html

Check out Sid Fleischman’s web site: http://www.sidfleischman.com/

Learn about the Society of American Magicians at http://www.magicsam.com/. Harry Houdini served as President of SAM from 1917-1926.

News:
Sid Fleischman’s book, Sir Charlie: Chaplin, the Funniest Man in the World, will be available through Amazon in June 2010.