Young Houdini: The Magician’s Fire by Simon Nicholson

Young Houdini: the Magician’s Fire by Simon Nicholson. Sourcebooks, 2014. 232 pages.

Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10
Maturity Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10

Imagine a pre-teen Harry Houdini as an immigrant shoe-shine boy in New York City, with a showman’s flair and two loyal sidekicks, and you’ve got the gist. The real Houdini grew up in rural Wisconsin, but this is the opening volume of a new adventure series for middle-graders, who should learn to recognize a literary device when they see one! As the story opens, Harry is performing a death-defying feat for the amusement of city bystanders, who afterwards shower him with coin. The trick wouldn’t be possible without the help of his two pals: poor-little-rich-boy Arthur and plucky street orphan Billie. Billie knows the dodges, Arthur has the connections, and Harry’s the showman, so together they make a swell team–until Herbert Lemser, a famous magician and Harry’s mentor, disappears in a flash of fire and purple smoke.  The kids take it upon themselves to solve the mystery.

The author writes for television, and it shows in his dramatic style and nonstop action. The characters aren’t so engaging—at least to me–and the literary voice is a little awkward (how many times do we hear the same character described as “plump”?). The exploits of this dynamic trio also stretch credulity, but that’s just the kind of story it is: a thumping adventure yarn reminiscent of the dime novels of old. We also see some character development going on with Harry, who must learn to curb his grandstanding instincts and allow room for his friends to exercise their own valuable gifts. More adventures in store!

Overall value: 3.5 (out of 5)

• Worldview/moral value: 3.5
• Artistic value: 3.5

Cautions: none
Categories: Adventure/Thriller, Middle Grades