Escape!: The Story of the Great Houdini

“An accessible, witty, and fascinating ride.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)

“What do you get when you put two prestidigitators, one a spellbinding escape artist, the other a magician with words, into a black hat and wave the wand? Abracadabra—a feat that’s pure magic.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Fleischman looks at Houdini’s life through his own eyes, as a fellow magician. Guarding the secrets, yet entertaining readers, he tells the rags-to-rags story of a poor Jewish boy named Ehrich Weiss, who longed to be like his idol, French magician Robert-Houdin…Fleischman’s tone is lively and he develops a relationship with readers by revealing just enough truth behind Houdini’s razzle-dazzle to keep the legend alive…Engaging and fascinating.” —School Library Journal (starred review)

“In this breezy biography, Newbery medalist Fleischman, himself a former magician, pays homage to Harry Houdini—the man and the myth…A now aged and raspy-voiced Fleischman reads the preface and last chapter, bookending an engaging narrative.” —Publishers Weekly (audio review)

“As a child magician, Fleischman thrilled at spending time with Bess Houdini, wife of the great escape artist. These early experiences gave him admiration, curiosity, and insider information about his subject. As author, Fleischman, like narrator Taylor Mali and Houdini himself, grows more excited when the magician’s career takes off. Though he won’t reveal any magic secrets, Fleischman’s writing fascinates listeners with vivid pictures. Mali adds his own magic, especially a fine sense of timing. Like the showman himself, Mali fascinates with renditions of Houdini’s jail breaks and straight-jacket escapes. He expertly relates the mysteries of a man who still intrigues the world.” —AudioFile