In this partial biography, Kimmel provides a slightly fictionalized account of a single episode in the childhood of master magician Harry Houdini. After visiting a circus in his hometown, Harry is inspired to try some of the feats he has observed, including walking the tightrope. Undaunted by failure and the loss of some front teeth, Harry perseveres until he learns the secrets for success and finds that practice pays off. Born Ehrich Weiss but called Harry by his friends, Houdini’s identity is not overtly disclosed until the end of the story. Short chapters, large type, and black-and-white illustrations make this fun reading for young readers who are themselves practicing their reading skills.
Jeanette Larson: Books Editor, teaches children’s literature for the School of Library & Information Studies at Texas Woman’s University
