Houdini and Me

Houdini and Me

Dan Gutman

Holiday House, 2021

211 pages

Grades 3-6

Fantasy

Eleven year old Harry Mancini has always been obsessed with Harry Houdini, and not just because he lives in what was once the famous magician's house. After an unfortunate incident involving a train and a loose shoelace Harry wakes up in the hospital. A strange flip-phone is among the gifts and cards left by well-wishers. Harry is not allowed a cellphone. Has Mom changed her mind? Only one person texts him on the ancient phone--and that person identifies himself as the one and only Houdini. Is it really him? Harry isn't sure what to believe, but if anyone could contact him from the great beyond, it would be the world's all-time greatest illusionist. Before Harry knows what's happening he agrees to a time swap with the famous magician. Houdini takes over Harry's body and time for one hour and Harry finds himself upside down hanging from a skyscraper in a straight jacket. HELP! All of the 1920's onlookers think that he is the actual Houdini and think he is teasing that he can't get out. Harry must use his wits to get out of this sticky situation. Will he ever make it back to his own time? And how can he get rid of this pesky new friend?

Dan Gutman is truly the best. He is a prolific writer of children's books who knows what kids like to read. From the silliness of My Weird School for the chapter book crowd to the exciting Genius Files for older middle grade readers to Rappy the Raptor for emerging readers, Gutman puts out quality merchandise that is highly readable with lots of child appeal. This latest stand-alone novel features time travel, Harry Houdini, and a protagonist with a best friend who make questionable choices: a sure-fire formula for success. I enjoyed the story very much. The conveyance of Houdini communicating through a flip-phone is brilliant. Readers will know when Houdini is speaking because it comes through in ALL CAPS. The book ends like the Wizard of Oz with readers wondering, "Did that really happen?" Actual photos from both the time period and actual places in New York City will help to flesh out the story and encourage readers to keep turning pages. The cover, itself, is enough to attract and audience (it drew ME in). An easy sell to reluctant readers, Gutman hits another homer.