Harry Houdini: Escape Artist (Stories of Famous Americans) [Library Binding]

Patricia Lakin (Author), Rick Geary (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2002 | Series: Stories of Famous Americans

Find out how a little boy named Ehrlich Weiss became Harry Houdini -- the greatest magician the world has ever known!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-This easy-reader gives an overview of the life of Ehrich Weiss, known to the world as Harry Houdini. The early years of poverty, his hard work to help support his family, and his interest in magic at a young age are simply presented. Readers will learn that magicians need quick, strong hands as well as self-confidence. However, there is an abrupt jump from the time he was 17 and changed his name to the statement on the next page that "After years of struggling, Houdini was finally famous." Children are sure to wonder why and how he suddenly became so successful. The time line states that Houdini became the greatest magician the world has ever known and lists several of his most amazing tricks but none of those details are included in the body of the book. The illustrations of Houdini's life are large and colorful, and will hold readers' interest, but the text itself seems incomplete.
Edith Ching, St. Albans School, Mt. St. Alban, Washington, DC
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Patricia Lakin, a former elementary school teacher and an award-winning author, has written more than fifty published works. Her books, both fiction and nonfiction, span multiple age groups—from toddlers to middle graders. Patricia lives in New York City with her husband, Lee Koenigsberg. They have two grown sons, Aaron and Benjahmin. When not reading, writing, or researching, she can be found traveling with Lee to far-off places in the world. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin Library (September 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689853459
• ISBN-13: 978-0689853456
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,166,869 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction to an amazing character, November 30, 2007

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Alydar "alydar" (New York) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Harry Houdini: Escape Artist (Level 2) (Paperback)

Not too deep but thorough enough to introduce young minds to Houdini. My grandson read with much interest and now he dedicates all his magic tricks to the Great Houdini. A nice introduction to what a biography is and it captures the highlights of his career and early youth. I recommend it to all aspiring magicians and I dedicate this review to the memory of Doug Henning.