Harry Houdini: Master of Magic

by Robert Kraske

This biography recounts the life of Harry Houdini from his boyhood through his years as an escape artist and master showman.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Childrens, Magic

72 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1978

Reviews

[Adrian Ma · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book "Harry Houdini: Master of Magic: Master Of Magic" by Robert Kraske is the life story of Harry Houdini the world famous escape artist. This books tells Harry's difficult life of finding fame through his amazing acts. It seemed that Harry would never become famous and earn enough of money, after performing all over the places without people giving him much attention. For a long time he worked for a dime museum with his wife Bess. Finally he was given the chance to hit big time fame and he took it, never looking back. This book shows how working hard for your dreams and never giving up will pay off in the end.

I picked up this book because I thought it was a short biography book and decided to try and read more of different genres so I decided it to give it a try.

I finished this book because a lot of his magic acts and escape tricks described in this book really amazed me. For example, his escape from a locked tank full of water, while hanging upside down in it and handcuffed; left me speechless.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in magic tricks because this book on Harry Houdini will encourage you. After all, practice makes perfect; just look at Harry's crazy and breathtaking escape acts!

[Melanie, Aaron, Annie, and Mary Project · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read by: Melanie
Genre: Biography
Author: Robert Kraske Cover Illustrated by: Eric Velasquez
Interest Level: 6
Grade Level Equivalent: 5.3
DRA: 40
Lexile: 710L

Harry Houdini, born as Ehrich Weiss, is remembered as the master of magic and a great escape artist. Interestingly, he started off his career just as any magician would with smaller tricks and hard work even performing in seances for a while as a medium. Finally, he got his big break with Martin Beck and eventually toured in Europe to get his name known before coming back to America to perform. This story will teach kids that hard work and persistance is the way to achieve your dreams.

[Angel Lemke]

Revisiting a childhood fave.

[Taha · Rating 3 out of 5]

My little brother had to read this book for a school report on Harry Houdini and I thought to myself that I could write a review on the book so I decided to read it with him. I had no clue as to what Harry's life was before I read this book. However, I was surprised to find out how old he was. I thought he lived in the 80s but he was 20 during the World Fair. It was a good biography but it was meant for kids so it did not go into too much detail but I was shocked by some of the life-threatening stunts he did. He put himself, chained, into a tank of water and even the audience thought he was going to die because it took him 5 minutes to escape. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stage magic because even David Copperfield has not done some of these insane feats that Houdini achieved.

[Dayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no idea why in 11th grade for my American History class, when I was assigned an historical character to write about, I chose "Harry Houdini." It was fortuitous because afterwards, I became a big fan of magic.

One learns such insights in this book as "When Harry, locked up in a strait-jacket, and right before he was jumped into the ocean, he kissed his wife for luck. This kiss was the moment that the key to the strait jacket was transferred from his wife's mouth to his own.

In 11th grade, I thought a lot about the makeup of a kiss that could transfer a key during its span of performance. A lot!

[Siddharth Chebolu · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is pretty good, the way the author laid out the story of Harry Houdini was great, because I was able to understand everything without confusion. The starting is really suspenseful, and I learned a lot from this book about the Master Magician. Of course, not all of the tricks were revealed, but the best part of magic is the fact that the audience doesn't know the thinking behind it.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard work and perseverance paid off for this ambitious man.
Seances were the rage, apparently, and he proved them scams. It was never told, though, if he found peace in Christ. Since he was heartbroken over the loss of his mother, and desired to hear from her, he could have sought the Lord and been comforted.

[HeavyReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throughout elementary school, several times a year, we could order books through the school. My parents always found money for me to order a few books. This is one of the books I got through those orders. I don't remember how old I was when I got it, but I remember reading it over and over again and being fascinated by old Mr. Houdini.

I also remember when my friend Khalil and I started talking about how Mr. Houdini was killed and decided to do a historical reenactment of the event for our friend Tony. I don't think Tony knew what to think, but Khalil and I had a swell time.

[Jasper · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book for Houdini fans! he is the master of magic he took on chines water torturer,debunked ghosts,and so match more! in the begining it talls about his childinhood, the middle he suffers a
great loss of his mother,in the end it tells the sad story of his death,

[Rjgolden · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a biography about Harry Houdini a his rise to fame as a magician. The book would be good for middle/late elementary students who are interested in magic and want an interesting biography to read.

[Porter]

It was a good biography

[Bad Boi Juice Mann · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was also good

[Mas5thgrade2012]

-Good book!

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Making Meaning Grade 5 Resource Kit

Good Biography

[Mas5thgrade2014 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow i never knew so much about Harry Houdini! I found it hard to believe that he died by getting punched in the stomach!

[Lisa]

Harry was amazing.

[Kharisma Citra · Rating 5 out of 5]

harry houdini is my idol......i want to be like him