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lzprsn's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
blogginboutbooks's review
4.0
This is a really fun MG read. It's short, funny, exciting, and educational all at the same time. Kids will enjoy the fast pace. The novel's light, upbeat tone does get a little darker toward the end of the book as the story takes a scary turn, but it never gets too creepy for young readers. The fear that Harry feels can serve as a cautionary tale about communicating with strangers on the Internet/phone and would make a great jumping off point for discussing the subject with kids.
From a historical fiction perspective, HOUDINI AND ME does a good job bringing Houidini to life. Using facts about his life, as well as some artistic license, helps to create a complex character. The story is enhanced by photographs of the magician as well as sites around New York City that help to further set the stage. While I wish more of the story had been set in the past, there's enough of a dip to whet young readers' appetites for more hist-fic without boring them. I also would have liked to see more resolution of Harry's present fears/problems to show how his experience in the past helped him in his real life.
Despite a few issues with the tale, I quite enjoyed HOUDINI AND ME. I zipped through it in a couple of hours because it was so entertaining. The book would make for a fun, kid-pleasing read aloud. If I could, I would give this one 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
From a historical fiction perspective, HOUDINI AND ME does a good job bringing Houidini to life. Using facts about his life, as well as some artistic license, helps to create a complex character. The story is enhanced by photographs of the magician as well as sites around New York City that help to further set the stage. While I wish more of the story had been set in the past, there's enough of a dip to whet young readers' appetites for more hist-fic without boring them. I also would have liked to see more resolution of Harry's present fears/problems to show how his experience in the past helped him in his real life.
Despite a few issues with the tale, I quite enjoyed HOUDINI AND ME. I zipped through it in a couple of hours because it was so entertaining. The book would make for a fun, kid-pleasing read aloud. If I could, I would give this one 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
sasha_in_a_box's review
4.0
Come on, it's a kids book about a real and very mysterious magician who starts texting a kid who happens to now live in his house! Love the premise, the execution is flawless, and the lesson learned isn't shoved down your throat. Historical resources & back matter are a treat, and I appreciate their accessibility and relevance for kids. I do think the pacing could have been a little better, but that's my only gripe, really.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC! ~all opinions are honest and my own~
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC! ~all opinions are honest and my own~
margeryb's review
3.0
When parents come into the library looking for an audiobook they can listen with their children while on a road trip, this would be a good match. Written for children, but the information and exploration of Houdini as a character would engage adults, so there is definite cross over interest.
This was a solid audio production with a good narrator. The story was fun enough and informative, weaving facts about Houdini and New York City in naturally with the flow of the story. The ending left something to be desired. Kids probably wouldn't mind as it may be fresh to them, but it kind of had me rolling my eyes. Also, some of the themes about overcoming fears were not developed or explored enough to be truly effective as they should be.
This was a solid audio production with a good narrator. The story was fun enough and informative, weaving facts about Houdini and New York City in naturally with the flow of the story. The ending left something to be desired. Kids probably wouldn't mind as it may be fresh to them, but it kind of had me rolling my eyes. Also, some of the themes about overcoming fears were not developed or explored enough to be truly effective as they should be.
asmeriglio26's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
ktcarlston's review
3.0
We listened to this book as a family on a road trip and it was great. I LOVED so much that H and G were ASKING to listen to it which is a total win.
yapha's review
3.0
Harry Mancini, who lives in Harry Houdini's former apartment, is a huge fan of the magician. When Harry suffers a concussion and wakes up in the hospital, he finds an old flip phone among the cards and flowers. Imagine his surprise when he begins getting texts from Houdini himself! When Houdini suggests they switch places in time, Harry is reluctant. The time travel element did not play as large a part in this book as in Gutman's Baseball Card series. There were also a few unexplained loose ends. Fans of Houdini will want to read it anyway. For grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
jennicajackson's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25