Harry Houdini: A Magical Life

by Elizabeth MacLeod

Book Overview

Harry Houdini is still the world's most famous magician -- thanks to his inventive tricks, death-defying stunts and incredible talent for publicity. He claimed he could escape from anything! The... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1553377699
• ISBN13: 9781553377696
• Release Date: September 2005
• Publisher: Kids Can Press
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.7" x 11.3"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Perfect for the Classroom Library

I teach 6th grade reading. This book is perfect for the classroom library. Students need to read a variety of non-fiction. I have found that most students love reading biographies. This is a must buy for the classroom.

Harry Houdini: A Magical Life

Born Ehrich Weiss in Budapest, Hugary 1874, Harry Houdini was the poor immigrant son of a rabbi. Due to his "death defying stunts" which ranged from making an elephant disappear to his "Milk Can Escape" and bigger than life theatrics, Houdini has gone down in history as the world's most famous magician. With a legacy of amazing escapes and illusions and featured in six Hollywood films magicians today still ponder over his tricks. As a young boy of four Harry immigrated with his family to the United States. When the family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Harry's father took him to see the gruesome entertainer, Dr. Lynn, whose final act was to dismember a man and then put him back together again. At age six, young Harry was hooked for life and devoted the rest of his life finding ways to amaze an audience in the art of illusion. In his own words, Houdini comments, " Never try to fool children. They expect nothing and therefore see everything." Harry was full of adventure and fun and was always young at heart; with this rule of thumb; he kept the mind of a child close at hand and his magic always remained a mystery as well as delightful entertainment for the whole family. This tile, the seventh of the "Snapshot Biography series" presents an up-close, personalized view of the life of a great man who has changed the face of magic. Large, oversized illustrations, many black and white photographs, a detailed timeline, a great index, and a list of actual places to find out more about Houdini will engage youngsters and make this a sure winner. For ages 8-13.