Customer Reviews

The Great Houdini (Step-Into-Reading, Step 4)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

While reading this book aloud to a six-year-old, who had picked it out, I learned a lot about this man, Houdini, who has become a legend. In a classic biography format, this book takes us through Houdini's childhood as a son of poor immigrants who admires acrobats in the cirus and makes up his own act. As a young man, he gets work as a locksmith and learns how to pick any lock... a talent that would come in very handy! Throughout his adulthood, Houdini worked incredibly hard to make a name for himself; sadly, his hard-earned fame indirectly led to his untimely death. Houdini's story is one of perseverence rather than glamour and stardom. The book has a serious tone for a childrens' book; even the illustrations are somber, but it is interesting and well worth a read.

I think Harry Houdini is one of the best books I have ever read. I think it is good because it's about a true story and they write it in a very good way.

I purchased these books (most of the titles in the series) several months ago, but have been doling them out a little at a time to my daughter, who is currently in first grade. She loves to read fiction, and has devoured many of the chapter books I've purchased for her or checked out of the library. I was looking for an interesting series of non-fiction books for her, and these seemed like the perfect introduction to the genre.

The appeal of this reader lies mainly in the way the information is condensed to suit the needs of young readers - informative, yet not overly descriptive nor steeped in jargon. Also, the illustrations on each page motivate young readers, especially visual learners like my daughter.

There are lots of illustrations in this book, which help tell the story of master magician and escape artist Harry Houdini. Though long-departed, Houdini's feats continue to inspire and awe people, and my young daughter loved reading about his exploits.

The Step 4 readers are described as "reading paragraphs, containing challenging vocabulary, short paragraphs, exciting fiction and non-fiction, and recommended for Grades 2-3", though children who are younger and are at an advanced reading level will find these books interesting and suitably challenging as well.

A fascinting story, well-told, with good illustrations. My grandchildren love it, and we all learned a lot. This is part of an excellent series.

My Grandson who in 11 read this book with great ease. Thank You

The Great Houdini, by Monica Kulling is about a little kid who goes to a dime circus. His family is very poor and barely has enough money to get him a ticket. While he's there he goes to watch a magician, and he is amazed. After the show the magician shows him how he did it. He decides he wants to be a master of illusion. He starts practicing what the magician shows him, he decides he will leave home and become a performer. He goes all around the world, he has bad times and he has good times. This book was boring at first but got better in the end, it's worth the boring reading. I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.