This age range is appropriate, and the text of the book works well for this range. The book ends with a poignant question that Houdini asks Bessie, “I can’t help but wonder: will anyone even remember me a hundred years from now?” (Lutes 82).Īccording to Barnes and Noble, this text is recommended for ages 10 to 17 (approximately 4th to 12th grade). The illustrations provide the reader with a moment-by-moment account of Houdini’s time spent underwater, culminating with his emergence from the River, unbound, after one minute and nineteen seconds. After a speech, an inspection from the police (to ensure that there is nothing hidden on his person), and a good-luck kiss from Bessie, Houdini jumps. The illustrations provide the reader with a look at how the crowds have gathered to watch the Handcuff King. From the hotel, Houdini heads to the Harvard Bridge for his jump. After his practice run, Houdini hosts a press conference at the Charles Hotel, where he is heckled by at least one reporter who thinks that Houdini’s fame may be waning.
He arrives at the Harvard Bridge for a practice run, and the reader is introduced to other minor characters – assistants to Houdini, the local police, and some individuals hired to advertise the jump. During this time, Houdini reviews the process by which he will complete his next feat: handcuffed and chained, he will jump off the Harvard Bridge into the Charles River in Boston. After the exchange between Houdini and Bess, Houdini’s character leaves his home on what appears to be a run. Once he manages his escape, the reader is introduced to Bess, but without any indication of the seriousness of their relationship (it’s obvious they’re together, but are they married? dating?). Houdini opens with several pages of just action, as the reader watches Houdini time himself working out of handcuffs. The illustrations are pen and ink, in mostly blue, white, and black. Also included in the end material is a bibliography section and a credit section. Some of these discussions include information about Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts during Houdini’s lifetime, anti-semitism, and early college rivalries. Following the story is supplemental material entitled “Panel Discussions,” which take illustrations from each page and expand on certain elements of that story panel. The introduction also includes some advice for the reader.
The item includes an introduction written by Glen David Gold, which includes anecdotal material about the life of Houdini, as well as some speculation about his personality and temperament. This item is available in library binding from PermaBound, and measures approximately 6.5 inches by 10 inches including end pages, the item is 90 pages long. Hyperion Paperbacks for Children: New York, 2007.
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