A review by omnibozo22
The Amazing Adventures of John Smith, Jr. Aka Houdini by Peter Johnson

5.0

Despite having almost nothing about magic in it, this was an engaging story of kids in difficult social positions bonding to improve their lives. John Smith, after hearing an author speak at his school (sounds like a middle school or junior high), decides to write a novel. As well as the encouragement of the speaker, Smith avidly reads about Harry Houdini and frequently refers to his works as inspiration for solving his writing and life problems.
Young magicians will learn no "magic" tricks in this book, but the family stories and the fortitude of John Smith will be sufficiently instructive to make the book worthwhile.