The Magician and the Spirits

Reach for this book when your child starts questioning the boundary between logic and the unexplained, or when they are struggling with the loss of a loved one and looking for 'signs.' It is a sophisticated look at how grief can drive even the most rational minds toward the supernatural, and how integrity often requires us to seek the truth even when that truth is disappointing. The book chronicles Harry Houdini's transition from world-famous escape artist to a dedicated investigator of the occult. While he desperately wanted to believe he could contact his deceased mother, his commitment to honesty led him to expose the tricks of fraudulent mediums. Parents will appreciate the balance of historical intrigue with a deep dive into the scientific method and the ethics of performance. It is a perfect choice for middle schoolers who are outgrowing magic tricks and becoming interested in the psychology of belief.