Bibliography
Krull, Kathleen. 2005. HOUDINI: WORLD'S GREATEST MYSTERY MAN AND ESCAPE KING. by Eric Velasquez. Walker and Company: New York. ISBN 0802789536
Plot Summary
Author Kathleen Krull and illustrator Eric Velasquez team up to tell the remarkable story of Harry Houdini, the world's most famous magician. His life story is interspersed with tellings of his most famous feats such as "The Underwater Handcuff Release" and "The Suspended Straight Jacket." His story is not only entertaining but inspiring as it tells how he came from nothing (being homeless at times) to making a name and fortune for himself.
Critical Analysis
Krull's biography of Houdini gives us a brief look into his life and accomplishments. Krull includes a quote from Houdini himself--"My mind is the key that sets me free." This quote is supported by Krull's account of how when the magician put his mind to it, he held steadfast to his goals. "When learning something new, he would practice six, seven, eight hours a day...he practiced the hardest at conquering fear." Krull not only shares his life story, but entertains us by sharing his incredible and daring feats presented in a stage performance-like manner, narrated by an announcer in a top hat and tails.
Velasquez's oil illustrations are dramatic, as dramatic as the dangerous stunts Houdini performs and which the illustrator brilliantly freeze-frames. The illustrations are appropriately reminiscent of the advertisements seen in the period in which Houdini lived. A "Behind the Scences" endnote gives the reader clues as to how Houdini was able to perform such magnificent feats, such as spitting on his wrists before being bound to make them slippery. A bibliography is also included, which is great for readers who want to read more about this man of mystery.
Review Excerpt(s)
School Library Journal - "Readers get a sense of Houdini's commitment, determination, and dedication to is family. His belief in hard work, self-education, and the value of books is emphasized."
Kirkus Reviews - "Adding posters and other evocative details to the settings, the artist accurately depicts the magician, his wife and many of the trunks, cases, shackles and other constraints from which he escaped with (seeming ease)."
Connections
Other books about Houdini:
Fleischman, Sid. ESCAPE!: THE STORY OF THE GREAT HOUDINI. ISBN 0060850949
Selznick, Brian. THE HOUDINI BOX. ISBN 0689844514
Sutherland, Tui. WHO WAS HARRY HOUDINI? ISBN 0448426862
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