The Houdini Box

Brian Selznick's "The Houdini Box" is a spellbinding historical fiction mystery for young readers aged 4-11. It follows Victor, a boy obsessed with Harry Houdini, as he attempts to replicate the magician's tricks. His dream comes true when he meets Houdini, who leaves him with a mysterious locked box. The story beautifully blends historical elements with a sense of wonder and curiosity, encouraging perseverance and imagination. It includes a biographical note about Houdini, making it both entertaining and educational.

"Open this book and come face-to-face with the greatest magician of all time -- Harry Houdini!" Victor is forever trying to escape from locked trunks, walk through walls, and perform any number of Houdini's astonishing magic tricks...without success. Then -- amazingly -- he actually meets his idol and begs Houdini to explain himself. A mysterious locked box is the magician's only answer, and Victor is left to wonder: Does the box contain the secrets to the most famous magic tricks ever performed? As spellbinding as a virtuoso performance by Houdini himself, this illustrated storybook for all ages combines captivating mystery and mesmerizing historical fiction, and as a bonus, offers a biographical note about Houdini. Equally strong as a read-aloud or a read-alone book, "The Houdini Box" conjures up the pure pleasure of an old-time magic show.