Disappearing Act

by Sid Fleischman

An unseen man they call the Toad is stalking twelve-year-old Kevin and his older sister, Holly. They flee town in Holly's beat-up old car, driving west until they reach the Pacific Ocean. They change their names and attempt to hide in plain sight as street performers in Venice, California. But have they really eluded the Toad? From the opening sentence, this page-turner of a novel is alive with surprise twists and suspense. Imagine a buried city made entirely of gold! Watch big Bumpy Rhoades juggle twenty-pound watermelons on the boardwalk. Meet Daisy, an aspiring artist with braces on her teeth who helps Kevin become a beachside fortune-teller. And notice the man in the white suit? Is he the Toad? Here is Newbery Medalist and former professional magician Sid Fleischman doing what he does best - spinning a tale with style, comic touches, and a double-barreled theme lurking behind the laughter.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Adventure, Family, Realistic Fiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

As a children's book author Sid Fleischman felt a special obligation to his readers. "The books we enjoy as children stay with us forever -- they have a special impact. Paragraph after paragraph and page after page, the author must deliver his or her best work." With almost 60 books to his credit, some of which have been made into motion pictures, Sid Fleischman can be assured that his work will make a special impact.

Sid Fleischman wrote his books at a huge table cluttered with projects: story ideas, library books, research, letters, notes, pens, pencils, and a computer. He lived in an old-fashioned, two-story house full of creaks and character, and enjoys hearing the sound of the nearby Pacific Ocean.

Fleischman passed away after a battle with cancer on March 17, 2010, the day after his ninetieth birthday.

He was the father of Newbery Medal winning writer and poet Paul Fleischman, author of Joyful Noise; they are the only father and son to receive Newbery awards.

Reviews

[M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two kids on the run from an unknown, but dangerous, person they call The Toad. Mom was killed on an archeological dig and presumably the older sister has custody of her younger brother but someone is after them. They end up in Venice, CA, where they make a hardscrabble living as street performers--probably easier said than actually done but, hey, it's a story. The descriptions of Venice Beach and the eclectic group of people who live there are probably at least somewhat accurate, the dangers perhaps minimized. Nonetheless, with a lot of creativity and some help from adults they meet, the kids manage to elude The Toad until they manage to come to a happy ending.

This is a fun book. I listened to it on CD and enjoyed that. I also lived and worked in the Venice area for many years so am somewhat familiar with the beach/boardwalk culture there. Most kids from elsewhere will enjoy exploring this new place and see it as an adventure (much like a book about someone living in a circus). No technology--for kids into technology heavy stories, this isn't the right book.

4th grade and up, boys as well as girls

[Lisa the Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part mystery, part carnival, part beach party. This is a story that never really stands still.

Sid Fleischman is a talented writer that has the ability to keep a story interesting and witty while bringing it to life. I felt like I was on Venice Beach with all of the street performers, novelty acts, and crummy souveiner sellers. That is a talent.

I also enjoyed the movement of the story and the lives of the characters as they all wove together in a tapestry as varied, vibrant and interesting as the beach itself.

Perfect summer relaxing read while on the beach or poolside. Or even while taking a short road trip

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synthesis: This book would most likely be for older students because of the topics it addresses. Death and stalking are two major topics and may be difficult or hard for younger students to understand. This book follows the journey of two kids who are being stalked. The books introduces characters that come into their live and how they are trying to fit into a new world. The book is from the point of view of the little boy making for an entertaining take on life. You will have to read the book to find out the rest...

WOW Book: For me this became a wow book when I found out the author didn't have a plan for the book when he started writing. I found it amazing that he was able to write an entire book without planning what he was writing about and the book came out so well. This story took so many new turns and described a life so different from mine.

Activities: I would use this book to teach prediction. Since it is a mystery book, new events happen often. I would have students make predictions everyday that we read and see if anyones were correct or close. They would have to explain why they were making their predictions. Another activity could be to have their studies write there own mystery short stories. The students could then use their prediction skills to see what would happen in the end of their peers stories.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kevin & Holly's mom is killed in a dig; then, someone begins stalking them. So, they head for Venice Beach. But has the strange man in the white suit followed them there?

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast read. Engaging. Likeable characters.
I was confused about how much older the sister was than the brother. Once their mother was missing and presumed dead, did no one come to check up on the well being of these kids? It seems they were just forgotten until they were being stalked. The writing was a little hard to understand sometimes, vague or made references I did not understand. Did not take away from the overall story. I liked that both main characters were strong or mind and spirit and not whiny or wimpy. They dealt with their problems head on. Used their wits to get by and continued to pursue dreams. I thought the ending was a little forced and rushed, but reading the author note at the end, that is exactly how he describes writing it-not knowing how to end it. I would read other books by this author. I would recommend this book to kids in grades 4 and up.

[Salsabrarian]

*SPOILER* After their archaeologist mother's death in a Mexico earthquake, Kevin and Holly hightail it for Venice, CA, while being stalked by "the Toad." They don't know what he wants. They settle in a rooming house in Venice, surrounded by street performers and Hollywood star wannabes. They dye their hair to disguise themselves and take on the names Pep and Chickadee Gomez. While Holly auditions successfully for a beach opera production, Kevin makes money on the side as a "hat man" for juggler Bumpy Rhodes. But the Toad turns up, threatening the kids over a map to a dig location. Turns out he will never figure out where it is because their mother hid the map in Kevin's old copy of "Where the Wild Things Are" which is long gone.

[Paris]

This was my first Fleischman book, And I have to say I was really satisfied. The story follows a parentless 12-year-old and his 21-year-old sister as they flee from their house in New Mexico to Venice, California after they are being chased by a stalker called the Toad, looking to find new jobs as street performers with new names. It was really entertaining, and is great if you like fast-paced stories. if it goes so fast at the begginning that you think you might just stop reading it, KEEP READING I promise it gets more evenly paced. Peace out

[Miguel]

The book Disappearing act by Sid Fleischman. I really liked the book because it shows a lot of emotions.The main setting is in the streets.The main characters are Daisy,Toad,Kevin,and Holly.The book is mostly about a man named Toad who is stalking 12 year old Kevin and his older sister.They flea west towards the Pacific Ocean and then they change their names.He starts learning about fortune-telling to keep his secret identity.I would recommend this book to people who like mystery because the book is about secrecy.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusing and original. Holly and Kevin flee their hometown to escape "The Toad," a stalker with unknown purpose. In Venice, California they try their hand at various money-making schemes along the boardwalk with humorous results.

Not quite sure which ages to recommend this for. The writing is 4th-6th grade level but I'm not sure that this age group will get the humor or find the characters and plot overly gripping.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can you not love Sid Fleischman? I would like to have lunch with him - his books are so fun, the guy has got to be entertaining in real life. Two kids escape a stalker by becoming street performers in Venice Beach; adventures ensue. Funny, interesting, but with a serious undertone, this is pitch perfect for kids.

[tofusurprise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realistic fiction. Kevin and Holly run away to Venice Beach, California to escape "The Toad" who is stalking them. They change their names and histories, but "The Toad" manages to find them. What is he looking for? Why is he chasing them? Fast paced, exciting, and funny. A thought-provoking ending.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

When a mysterious man in white appears to be stalking them after the sudden death of their archaeologist mother, Kevin and his sister Holly run away to begin new lives in Venice Beach. The Toad, as they call him, catches up to them eventually, but what could they possibly have that is worth so much to him?

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, fun read about a 12-yr old boy who is "missing" with his 21-yr old sister. Their mom has died (or has she?) and they are being stalked by a strange man. The end up in Venice, CA, trying to find a way to make some money and start a new life, far, far away from their stalker (The Toad).

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I prefer the printed copy, this audio is a short two hours and the veteran Full Cast Audio players do an exceptional job. I particularly love Daisy and Kevin. A classic Sid Fleischman comedy set in modern California.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sid doesn't write like he used to. He seems to have lost the knack for humor. This book was ok, but he's written better.

[Glenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know I read it but I can't remember what it is about.

[Amber · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was my 1st book that I read of Sid Fleischman. I don't think I will be reading anymore of his.

[Beckett · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yawn.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

nice full cast audio, but not the most interesting book...

[Relyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sorry I read this one, but I wouldn't read it again, either. Plus, I don't think it would appeal to many tweens. Bummer, because I love some of Fleischman's work.

[Tripleguess · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun book, obviously aimed at tweens or younger; quick easy read.

[Gatlin Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I realy liked this book it was really good its about a magicain and he his trying to find a act to do at the carnavail.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never met a Sid Fleischman book I didn't like.