For young sleuths who love a good mystery, this adventure follows Harry Houdini and his friends as they investigate a disappearance and test their bond.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is ready for a mystery with more depth and a historical twist. It's perfect for young readers who are fascinated by puzzles, magic, and how things work. The story follows a young Harry Houdini who, along with his two best friends, must use his budding skills in illusion and escape artistry to solve the mysterious disappearance of his beloved mentor. The book beautifully explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the courage it takes to face your fears. It’s an engaging adventure that combines historical fiction with a fast-paced plot, modeling teamwork and creative problem-solving for kids aged 8 to 12.
The book's primary sensitive content is peril. The child protagonists are repeatedly placed in dangerous situations: they are chased, threatened by a menacing adult, and trapped. The tone is adventurous and suspenseful rather than graphically violent or terrifying. The resolution is hopeful, with the children succeeding and their mentor being rescued.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 9-11 year-old who enjoys hands-on problem-solving, like in the '39 Clues' or 'Mysterious Benedict Society' series. They are likely drawn to historical fiction, puzzles, and stories about clever kids working together. This child appreciates a good mystery but also enjoys the fun of magic tricks and steampunk-style inventions.
Parent Prep
No significant prep is needed; the book can be enjoyed without prior knowledge. However, a parent could enhance the experience by briefly discussing the real Harry Houdini and the setting of late 19th-century New York. Parents should be aware of the scenes of peril, which are exciting but might be tense for more sensitive young readers. A parent has noticed their child is graduating from simpler mystery series and is looking for a book with more complex characters and historical context. The child might have recently expressed an interest in magic tricks, escape rooms, or historical figures.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will be captivated by the fast-paced plot, the magic tricks, and the clear distinction between the heroes and the villain. An older reader (10-12) will appreciate the historical details, the cleverness of the puzzles, and the dynamic between the three friends, particularly the way they rely on each other's unique strengths.
What Makes It Special
This book's unique strength lies in its blend of historical fiction, mystery, and proto-steampunk elements. By grounding the story in the childhood of a real historical icon and focusing on the mechanics of illusion and invention rather than supernatural magic, it offers a plausible and inspiring adventure for curious and inventive minds. The inclusion of a smart, capable African American female co-protagonist in a historical setting is also a notable and welcome feature.
Read plot summary
Set in 1886 New York, the story follows a young, aspiring magician named Harry Houdini. When his mentor, Herbie, disappears under mysterious circumstances, Harry teams up with his inventive best friend, Arthur, and the whip-smart Billie. Their investigation leads them into a dangerous world of rival magicians and secret societies. They must use their combined skills of magic, engineering, and deduction to outwit a sinister villain and uncover a conspiracy, all while testing the bonds of their friendship.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Harry, Arthur, and Billie each have very different skills. Can you point to a specific moment where Arthur's inventions or Billie's cleverness saved the day when Harry's magic couldn't?
2
The villain, Romanoff, uses magic to gain power and scare people. How is this different from why Harry and Herbie practice magic? What makes their magic 'good'?
3
Friendship and trust are very important in this book. Was there ever a time when the friends disagreed or were scared? How did their loyalty to each other help them overcome it?
4
The story is set in New York City over 100 years ago. What details in the book made the setting feel old-fashioned or different from the world today?
