Freedman, Russell. Out of Darkness: The Story of Louis Braille. Sandpiper (1999). ISBN-10: 0395968887
Plot Summary
Russell Freedman’s Out of the Darkness: The Story of Louis Braille is short biography that details the life of Louis Braille, a French boy who became blind at the age of three as a result of a horrific knife accident in his father’s saddle and harness shop. Because of his relentless determination and desire, Louis worked for years to create some kind of a system that would allow blind people to be able to read and write. Finally, when he was about fifteen, he developed a system of raised dots on paper. It would be many years before this new system would be truly recognized and appreciated.
Critical Evaluation
Simple black and white illustrations on pages 51 and 52 describe the basic Braille alphabet. This book is a wonderful inspiration for all!
Reader's Annotation
This short biography details the life of Louis Braille, a French boy who became blind at the age of three as a result of a horrific knife accident in his father’s saddle and harness shop.
About the Author
Russell Freedman was born in 1929 in San Francisco, California. Growing up, he experienced books in multiple ways, as his is father was a sales manager of a publishing company, and his mother worked at a bookstore. As a student, Freedman took interest in subjects like history and geography. He attended both San Jose State University (WOW!) and U.C. Berkley, majoring in English Literature.
Prior to writing, Freeman spends a great deal of time researching his topics. Many of his books have earned awards, and his book Lincoln: A Photobiography became a 1988 Newbery Medal Winner, which had not been given to a nonfiction book since 1956.
Genre
Nonfiction: biography
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts, Social Science
Booktalking Ideas
Russell Freedman’s Out of the Darkness: The Story of Louis Braille is the story of Louis Braille, inventor of the Braille alphabet. When he was a boy, he suffered a freak accident while in his father’s saddle and harness shop. The rest is history!
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 9-12, Grades 4-8
Reason for Book Selection
This book is less that 100 pages and it is an easy and interesting read. The students seem to like the Braille alphabet.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Human Relations Media (Producer). (2007). Becoming an Organized Student. Available from Human Relations Media, 41 Kensico Drive, Mount Kisco, NY 10549 or http://www.hrmvideo.com).
Plot Summary and Critical Evaluation
Learning to be organized is not an easy task. Being a successful student requires real planning. This short educational video/DVD is an awesome resource for students who need a little help developing organizational skills. Actual student scenarios are provides, and viewers are given organizational strategies such as planners, wall calendars, color-coding, etc. Especially valuable are the Pre- and Post-tests that are provided.
The video/DVD has received awards from the American Library Association (ALA) and it has been placed on the Notable Children's Video List.
Reader's Annotation
This short educational video/DVD is an awesome resource for students who need a little help developing organizational skills.
About the Producer
Anson Schloat founded Human Relations Media in 1976 by. Most educational products provided through HRM are about 25 minutes long and they include teacher resources, program summaries, learning objectives, student activities, handouts, fact sheets, etc. Today, HRM is a leading k12 publisher of supplemental video-based educational products.
Genre
Multimedia: Self-help
Curriculum Ties
All classes, all grades
Booktalking Ideas
Need a little help with organization? Check out the video Becoming an Organized Student. In only 20 minutes you’ll learn real strategies to help you get and stay organized.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 5-9
Reason for Multimedia Selection
Middle school children are especially in need of organizational skills that will help to prepare them to become successful students (and adults) in the future. This short video doesn’t solve the problem, but it certainly is a step in the right direction.
Plot Summary and Critical Evaluation
Learning to be organized is not an easy task. Being a successful student requires real planning. This short educational video/DVD is an awesome resource for students who need a little help developing organizational skills. Actual student scenarios are provides, and viewers are given organizational strategies such as planners, wall calendars, color-coding, etc. Especially valuable are the Pre- and Post-tests that are provided.
The video/DVD has received awards from the American Library Association (ALA) and it has been placed on the Notable Children's Video List.
Reader's Annotation
This short educational video/DVD is an awesome resource for students who need a little help developing organizational skills.
About the Producer
Anson Schloat founded Human Relations Media in 1976 by. Most educational products provided through HRM are about 25 minutes long and they include teacher resources, program summaries, learning objectives, student activities, handouts, fact sheets, etc. Today, HRM is a leading k12 publisher of supplemental video-based educational products.
Genre
Multimedia: Self-help
Curriculum Ties
All classes, all grades
Booktalking Ideas
Need a little help with organization? Check out the video Becoming an Organized Student. In only 20 minutes you’ll learn real strategies to help you get and stay organized.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 5-9
Reason for Multimedia Selection
Middle school children are especially in need of organizational skills that will help to prepare them to become successful students (and adults) in the future. This short video doesn’t solve the problem, but it certainly is a step in the right direction.
Normal Films (Producer). The Sandwich Kid: A Film About Siblings & Disabilities. Created by Keri Bowers, Featuring Jace King (2007). (Available from www.normalfilms.com).
Plot Summary and Critical Evaluation
This 78-minute DVD takes a closer look at the brothers and sisters of children who have disabilities. Through interviews, viewers will develop an honest understanding of the difficulties and experiences faced by these siblings. This film is appropriate for anyone who might also be undergoing a similar situation, or a person who is looking for depth in this topic.
Reader's Annotation
This 78-minute DVD takes a closer look at the brothers and sisters of children who have disabilities.
About the Producer
Keri Bowers, a parent, speaker, and disabilities advocate created Normal Films in 2005. At the young age of 6, Keri’s son Taylor was diagnosed with autism. Because of his desire to become a filmmaker, Taylor and his mother (with the help of producer, Joey Travolta) created a short 10-minute film. Later, the film would gain national attention and develop into an even longer 90-minute film. This film, Normal People Scare Me, was released in April of 2007. In September of the same year, Normal Films released The Sandwich Kid, a movie about the siblings of people with disabilities. Interestingly, Taylor’s brother Jace worked with Keri to explore his own experiences as the brother of an autistic boy.
Genre
Multimedia: Children with disabilities
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts, Special Education, Science, Physical Education, Social Science
Booktalking Ideas
Have you ever thought about what it’s like to be the brother or sister of a person with a disability? The film The Sandwich Kid gives viewers a unique perspective – the sibling perspective.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 6+
Reason for Multimedia Selection
There are many books that deal with the topic of disabilities and perceptions of those individuals who have disabilities. This movie shows a perspective that is often forgotten – sibling perspective.
Plot Summary and Critical Evaluation
This 78-minute DVD takes a closer look at the brothers and sisters of children who have disabilities. Through interviews, viewers will develop an honest understanding of the difficulties and experiences faced by these siblings. This film is appropriate for anyone who might also be undergoing a similar situation, or a person who is looking for depth in this topic.
Reader's Annotation
This 78-minute DVD takes a closer look at the brothers and sisters of children who have disabilities.
About the Producer
Keri Bowers, a parent, speaker, and disabilities advocate created Normal Films in 2005. At the young age of 6, Keri’s son Taylor was diagnosed with autism. Because of his desire to become a filmmaker, Taylor and his mother (with the help of producer, Joey Travolta) created a short 10-minute film. Later, the film would gain national attention and develop into an even longer 90-minute film. This film, Normal People Scare Me, was released in April of 2007. In September of the same year, Normal Films released The Sandwich Kid, a movie about the siblings of people with disabilities. Interestingly, Taylor’s brother Jace worked with Keri to explore his own experiences as the brother of an autistic boy.
Genre
Multimedia: Children with disabilities
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts, Special Education, Science, Physical Education, Social Science
Booktalking Ideas
Have you ever thought about what it’s like to be the brother or sister of a person with a disability? The film The Sandwich Kid gives viewers a unique perspective – the sibling perspective.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 6+
Reason for Multimedia Selection
There are many books that deal with the topic of disabilities and perceptions of those individuals who have disabilities. This movie shows a perspective that is often forgotten – sibling perspective.
Skreslet, Laurie. To the Top of Everest. Kids Can Press (2003). ISBN-10: 1550748149
Plot Summary
In 1982 Laurie Skreslet made it to the top of Mount Everest, an almost impossible task! Awesome photographs of his journey “to the top” provide the reader with a real understanding of the struggles he endured in order to accomplish this amazing goal. Also included are details related to altitude, equipment, food, snowstorms and avalanches, and even childhood obstacles that he overcame through his love of adventure.
Critical Evaluation
At only 56 pages, this book is sure to entertain all readers interested in mountain climbing, especially Mount Everest. Most impressive are the photographs. And, for those who may need additional help with vocabulary, a glossary is provided.
Reader's Annotation
In 1982 Laurie Skreslet made it to the top of Mount Everest, an almost impossible task!
About the Author
Laurie Skeslet was born on October 25, 1949, in Calgary, Alberta. He is most known for his heroic journey to the top of Mount Everest on October 5, 1982. His book To the Top of Everest has been nominated for a Hackmatack Children’s Choice Award and the Canadian Library Associate Book of the Year for Children Award. In addition, the book has been placed on the Children’s Literature Choice List. Today, Skeslet is still considered a mountaineer, and he also spends time giving motivational speeches.
Genre
Nonfiction: biographies & memoirs
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts, Science, Social Studies
Booktalking Ideas
In 1982 Laurie Skreslet made it to the top of Mount Everest, an almost impossible task! And, believe it or not, he was not the most coordinated individual. If you’d like to know more about Skreslet’s amazing journey, check out the book To the Top of Mount Everest.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 9-12
Reason for Book Selection
I especially like the small side snippets of information provided in this book. Both struggling and advanced readers will find it interesting. I also loved the photos!
Plot Summary
In 1982 Laurie Skreslet made it to the top of Mount Everest, an almost impossible task! Awesome photographs of his journey “to the top” provide the reader with a real understanding of the struggles he endured in order to accomplish this amazing goal. Also included are details related to altitude, equipment, food, snowstorms and avalanches, and even childhood obstacles that he overcame through his love of adventure.
Critical Evaluation
At only 56 pages, this book is sure to entertain all readers interested in mountain climbing, especially Mount Everest. Most impressive are the photographs. And, for those who may need additional help with vocabulary, a glossary is provided.
Reader's Annotation
In 1982 Laurie Skreslet made it to the top of Mount Everest, an almost impossible task!
About the Author
Laurie Skeslet was born on October 25, 1949, in Calgary, Alberta. He is most known for his heroic journey to the top of Mount Everest on October 5, 1982. His book To the Top of Everest has been nominated for a Hackmatack Children’s Choice Award and the Canadian Library Associate Book of the Year for Children Award. In addition, the book has been placed on the Children’s Literature Choice List. Today, Skeslet is still considered a mountaineer, and he also spends time giving motivational speeches.
Genre
Nonfiction: biographies & memoirs
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts, Science, Social Studies
Booktalking Ideas
In 1982 Laurie Skreslet made it to the top of Mount Everest, an almost impossible task! And, believe it or not, he was not the most coordinated individual. If you’d like to know more about Skreslet’s amazing journey, check out the book To the Top of Mount Everest.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 9-12
Reason for Book Selection
I especially like the small side snippets of information provided in this book. Both struggling and advanced readers will find it interesting. I also loved the photos!
Spinelli, Jerry. Loser. HarperCollins (2003). ISBN-10: 0060540745
Plot Summary
Almost every classroom has a wide range of personalities: the popular student, the jock, the smarty-pants, the pretty girl whom all the boys like, the class clown, and last of all, the “loser.” In his childhood years, Donald Zinkoff has been the “loser.” Although he is a bit slower than the rest, the last to be picked for teams, and the butt of most jokes, he still loves school and has a positive perspective on life. Zinkoff is an ordinary kid who experiences the taunting of classmates’ jokes and ridicule but does not let it bring him down.
Critical Evaluation
Jerry Spinelli’s portrayal of Donald Zinkoff in the book Loser is outstanding! And, I have had a few students like Zinkoff actually in my classes over the years. A boy teased for his odd/quirky behaviors…that’s certainly not original, but Zinkoff’s outlook is. As with most of Spinelli’s works, the characters are believable and the setting is certainly realistic. Spinelli never disappoints!
Reader's Annotation
Despite his difficulties, Donald Zinkoff is a resilient and brave boy. When a girl goes missing, he sets out to find her even though she was found shortly after. His determination proves that failure will happen, but the human spirit will prevail.
About the Author
Jerry Spinelli was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, in 1941. In 1957, Spinelli realized writing was his passion when his high school football team won a big game. While other students went to celebrate the occasion, Spinelli went home and wrote a poem. Without Spinelli knowing, his father took the poem to the town newspaper where it was later published. Although he did spend time as an editor for Chilton Company, he now spends his days writing full-time. Two of his books, Maniac Magee and Wringer, have earned Newbery Honor Awards.
Genre
Realistic Fiction
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts, Social Studies
Booktalking Ideas
Read aloud from page 217:
He doesn’t know that he’s a klutz. Doesn’t know he’s out of his league. Doesn’t
know a leftover doesn’t stare down a chooser. Doesn’t know he’s supposed to
look down at his shoes or up in the sky and wish he could disappear, because
that’s what he is, a leftover, the last kid left. Check out Jerry Spinelli’s Loser!
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 9-12, Grades 4-6
Reason for Book Selection
I am a huge fan of Jerry Spinelli’s works. His books are extremely popular with both boys and girls, and I especially enjoyed Stargirl and Maniac Magee. I appreciate the fact that Spinelli’s books contain realistic themes for students in the middle grades.
Plot Summary
Almost every classroom has a wide range of personalities: the popular student, the jock, the smarty-pants, the pretty girl whom all the boys like, the class clown, and last of all, the “loser.” In his childhood years, Donald Zinkoff has been the “loser.” Although he is a bit slower than the rest, the last to be picked for teams, and the butt of most jokes, he still loves school and has a positive perspective on life. Zinkoff is an ordinary kid who experiences the taunting of classmates’ jokes and ridicule but does not let it bring him down.
Critical Evaluation
Jerry Spinelli’s portrayal of Donald Zinkoff in the book Loser is outstanding! And, I have had a few students like Zinkoff actually in my classes over the years. A boy teased for his odd/quirky behaviors…that’s certainly not original, but Zinkoff’s outlook is. As with most of Spinelli’s works, the characters are believable and the setting is certainly realistic. Spinelli never disappoints!
Reader's Annotation
Despite his difficulties, Donald Zinkoff is a resilient and brave boy. When a girl goes missing, he sets out to find her even though she was found shortly after. His determination proves that failure will happen, but the human spirit will prevail.
About the Author
Jerry Spinelli was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, in 1941. In 1957, Spinelli realized writing was his passion when his high school football team won a big game. While other students went to celebrate the occasion, Spinelli went home and wrote a poem. Without Spinelli knowing, his father took the poem to the town newspaper where it was later published. Although he did spend time as an editor for Chilton Company, he now spends his days writing full-time. Two of his books, Maniac Magee and Wringer, have earned Newbery Honor Awards.
Genre
Realistic Fiction
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts, Social Studies
Booktalking Ideas
Read aloud from page 217:
He doesn’t know that he’s a klutz. Doesn’t know he’s out of his league. Doesn’t
know a leftover doesn’t stare down a chooser. Doesn’t know he’s supposed to
look down at his shoes or up in the sky and wish he could disappear, because
that’s what he is, a leftover, the last kid left. Check out Jerry Spinelli’s Loser!
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 9-12, Grades 4-6
Reason for Book Selection
I am a huge fan of Jerry Spinelli’s works. His books are extremely popular with both boys and girls, and I especially enjoyed Stargirl and Maniac Magee. I appreciate the fact that Spinelli’s books contain realistic themes for students in the middle grades.
Fleischman, Sid. The Whipping Boy. Greenwillow Books (2003). ISBN-10: 0060521228
Plot Summary
In Sid Fleischman’s The Whipping Boy, Jemmy wants to become a rat-catcher like his father. Instead, he is living in the palace where he wears fine velvet or silk, attends school with the prince, and is fed royally. But, this isn’t as great as it sounds because Jemmy is the whipping boy for the prince everyone calls “Prince Brat”. If the prince misbehaves or refuses to learn to read, Jemmy is whipped in his place. When Prince Brat decides to run away, taking Jemmy with him, a villainous pair named Cutwater and Hold-Your-Nose Billy captures them and plans to hold them for ransom. But the bandits think that Jemmy is the prince and the real prince is the servant. The two boys temporarily escape their kidnappers with the help of strangers going to the fair, Captain Nips (the hot potato man) and Betsy traveling with her trained bear, Petunia. Jemmy and the prince have to steer clear of Cutwater and Hold-Your-Nose Billy as well as the palace guards who would certainly throw Jemmy in prison!
The prince is taken aback when he discovers that he is called “Prince Brat” behind his back, and his future subjects are happy he’s been kidnapped. After all, what sort of a king would he make? But during their adventure, the prince has changed. And Jemmy, who dreamt only of escaping the palace and catching rats, realizes that he will miss the opportunity to read all the books there.
Critical Evaluation
Sid Fleischman won the Newbery Award in 1987 for this adventurous tale illustrated by 2-time Caldecott Honor winner Peter Sis. The book is humorous, enlightening, and quite short. The action inspires readers to finish in just one sitting!
Reader's Annotation
If “Prince Brat” misbehaves or refuses to learn to read, Jemmy is whipped in his place. When Prince Brat decides to run away, taking Jemmy with him, a villainous pair named Cutwater and Hold-Your-Nose Billy captures them and plans to hold them for ransom.
About the Author
Sid Fleischman was born Avrom Zalomon in New York in 1920. As a small child, Sid’s father moved the family to San Diego. In junior high school, Sid spent time reading constantly, but he had no interest in what he was supposed to be reading. He read many magic books, and he dreamt of becoming a magician. While still in high school, Fleischman wrote his first book, a slim book called Between Cocktails. The book contained tricks that a sleight of hand magician could do with a matchbook. He sold away all the publishing rights for only $50.00 in credit for merchandise from a magic supply store. Sid, however, became a published author, and that book remained in print for 30 years! Although early on he had some success as a writer of stories and books for adults, he eventually became a full-time author of children’s books. In fact, his novel e The Whipping Boy won the Newbery Medal in 1987. Today, he lives with his wife in Santa Monica. He has written dozens of books for young readers, the latest being The White Elephant, published in 2006
Genre
Fiction: Action & Adventure
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts, Social Studies
Booktalking Ideas
Jemmy wants to become a rat-catcher like his father. Instead, he is living in the palace where he wears fine velvet or silk, attends school with the prince, and is fed royally. But, this isn’t as great as it sounds because Jemmy is the whipping boy for the prince everyone calls “Prince Brat.” If the prince misbehaves or refuses to learn to read, Jemmy is whipped in his place. Find out what happens to Jemmy – pick up a copy of Sid Fleischman’s The Whipping Boy.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 9-12
Reason for Book Selection
I am a big fan of short books that teach a moral or lesson without being so overly obvious. This book does just that.
Plot Summary
In Sid Fleischman’s The Whipping Boy, Jemmy wants to become a rat-catcher like his father. Instead, he is living in the palace where he wears fine velvet or silk, attends school with the prince, and is fed royally. But, this isn’t as great as it sounds because Jemmy is the whipping boy for the prince everyone calls “Prince Brat”. If the prince misbehaves or refuses to learn to read, Jemmy is whipped in his place. When Prince Brat decides to run away, taking Jemmy with him, a villainous pair named Cutwater and Hold-Your-Nose Billy captures them and plans to hold them for ransom. But the bandits think that Jemmy is the prince and the real prince is the servant. The two boys temporarily escape their kidnappers with the help of strangers going to the fair, Captain Nips (the hot potato man) and Betsy traveling with her trained bear, Petunia. Jemmy and the prince have to steer clear of Cutwater and Hold-Your-Nose Billy as well as the palace guards who would certainly throw Jemmy in prison!
The prince is taken aback when he discovers that he is called “Prince Brat” behind his back, and his future subjects are happy he’s been kidnapped. After all, what sort of a king would he make? But during their adventure, the prince has changed. And Jemmy, who dreamt only of escaping the palace and catching rats, realizes that he will miss the opportunity to read all the books there.
Critical Evaluation
Sid Fleischman won the Newbery Award in 1987 for this adventurous tale illustrated by 2-time Caldecott Honor winner Peter Sis. The book is humorous, enlightening, and quite short. The action inspires readers to finish in just one sitting!
Reader's Annotation
If “Prince Brat” misbehaves or refuses to learn to read, Jemmy is whipped in his place. When Prince Brat decides to run away, taking Jemmy with him, a villainous pair named Cutwater and Hold-Your-Nose Billy captures them and plans to hold them for ransom.
About the Author
Sid Fleischman was born Avrom Zalomon in New York in 1920. As a small child, Sid’s father moved the family to San Diego. In junior high school, Sid spent time reading constantly, but he had no interest in what he was supposed to be reading. He read many magic books, and he dreamt of becoming a magician. While still in high school, Fleischman wrote his first book, a slim book called Between Cocktails. The book contained tricks that a sleight of hand magician could do with a matchbook. He sold away all the publishing rights for only $50.00 in credit for merchandise from a magic supply store. Sid, however, became a published author, and that book remained in print for 30 years! Although early on he had some success as a writer of stories and books for adults, he eventually became a full-time author of children’s books. In fact, his novel e The Whipping Boy won the Newbery Medal in 1987. Today, he lives with his wife in Santa Monica. He has written dozens of books for young readers, the latest being The White Elephant, published in 2006
Genre
Fiction: Action & Adventure
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts, Social Studies
Booktalking Ideas
Jemmy wants to become a rat-catcher like his father. Instead, he is living in the palace where he wears fine velvet or silk, attends school with the prince, and is fed royally. But, this isn’t as great as it sounds because Jemmy is the whipping boy for the prince everyone calls “Prince Brat.” If the prince misbehaves or refuses to learn to read, Jemmy is whipped in his place. Find out what happens to Jemmy – pick up a copy of Sid Fleischman’s The Whipping Boy.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 9-12
Reason for Book Selection
I am a big fan of short books that teach a moral or lesson without being so overly obvious. This book does just that.
Fleischman, Sid. Escape!: The Story of the Great Houdini. Greenwillow Books (2008). ISBN-10: 0060850965
Plot Summary
Allowing himself to be handcuffed, chained, locked in trunks, strapped into straight jackets, buried alive, and completely surrounded by brick walls, this amazing showman, Harry Houdini, could seemingly escape from anything! In this book, readers learn about Houdini’s experience in the famous cell built for President Garfield’s assassin and the time he was chained to a pillar with several pairs of handcuffs by Scotland Yard police in London. Houdini’s wild antics are never-ending!
Critical Evaluation
Newbery award winning author Sid Fleischman has written a fascinating book about the life of the lucky immigrant, born Ehrich Weiss, who reinvented himself as Harry Houdini. Sid Fleischman’s obsession with magic and friendship with Houdini’s widow make him the perfect person to write this book!
Reader's Annotation
Newbery award winning author Sid Fleischman has written a fascinating book about the life of the lucky immigrant, born Ehrich Weiss, who reinvented himself as Harry Houdini.
About the Author
Sid Fleischman was born Avrom Zalomon in New York in 1920. As a small child, Sid’s father moved the family to San Diego. In junior high school, Sid spent time reading constantly, but he had no interest in what he was supposed to be reading. He read many magic books, and he dreamt of becoming a magician. While still in high school, Fleischman wrote his first book, a slim book called Between Cocktails. The book contained tricks that a sleight of hand magician could do with a matchbook. He sold away all the publishing rights for only $50.00 in credit for merchandise from a magic supply store. Sid, however, became a published author, and that book remained in print for 30 years! Although early on he had some success as a writer of stories and books for adults, he eventually became a full-time author of children’s books. In fact, his novel The Whipping Boy won the Newbery Medal in 1987. Today, he lives with his wife in Santa Monica. He has written dozens of books for young readers, the latest being The White Elephant, published in 2006
Genre
Nonfiction: biography
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts, Social Studies, Science
Booktalking Ideas
Have you ever heard of Houdini? Well, Escape! The Story of the Great Houdini written by Sid Fleischman is the story of the greatest escape artist the world has ever known. As readers, you can learn about the time Houdini was locked into a famous cell in Washington, D. C. – the one that had been built for President Garfield’s assassin! The door was deeply recessed into the wall and the lock was around the corner, out of reach. So, how did he escape? Head over to the library to learn more about the fascinating life of Houdini!
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 9-12
Reason for Book Selection
Every year I require my students to read a biography or an autobiography. Without fail, someone always chooses Houdini. Why not? He’s absolutely fascinating!
Plot Summary
Allowing himself to be handcuffed, chained, locked in trunks, strapped into straight jackets, buried alive, and completely surrounded by brick walls, this amazing showman, Harry Houdini, could seemingly escape from anything! In this book, readers learn about Houdini’s experience in the famous cell built for President Garfield’s assassin and the time he was chained to a pillar with several pairs of handcuffs by Scotland Yard police in London. Houdini’s wild antics are never-ending!
Critical Evaluation
Newbery award winning author Sid Fleischman has written a fascinating book about the life of the lucky immigrant, born Ehrich Weiss, who reinvented himself as Harry Houdini. Sid Fleischman’s obsession with magic and friendship with Houdini’s widow make him the perfect person to write this book!
Reader's Annotation
Newbery award winning author Sid Fleischman has written a fascinating book about the life of the lucky immigrant, born Ehrich Weiss, who reinvented himself as Harry Houdini.
About the Author
Sid Fleischman was born Avrom Zalomon in New York in 1920. As a small child, Sid’s father moved the family to San Diego. In junior high school, Sid spent time reading constantly, but he had no interest in what he was supposed to be reading. He read many magic books, and he dreamt of becoming a magician. While still in high school, Fleischman wrote his first book, a slim book called Between Cocktails. The book contained tricks that a sleight of hand magician could do with a matchbook. He sold away all the publishing rights for only $50.00 in credit for merchandise from a magic supply store. Sid, however, became a published author, and that book remained in print for 30 years! Although early on he had some success as a writer of stories and books for adults, he eventually became a full-time author of children’s books. In fact, his novel The Whipping Boy won the Newbery Medal in 1987. Today, he lives with his wife in Santa Monica. He has written dozens of books for young readers, the latest being The White Elephant, published in 2006
Genre
Nonfiction: biography
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts, Social Studies, Science
Booktalking Ideas
Have you ever heard of Houdini? Well, Escape! The Story of the Great Houdini written by Sid Fleischman is the story of the greatest escape artist the world has ever known. As readers, you can learn about the time Houdini was locked into a famous cell in Washington, D. C. – the one that had been built for President Garfield’s assassin! The door was deeply recessed into the wall and the lock was around the corner, out of reach. So, how did he escape? Head over to the library to learn more about the fascinating life of Houdini!
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 9-12
Reason for Book Selection
Every year I require my students to read a biography or an autobiography. Without fail, someone always chooses Houdini. Why not? He’s absolutely fascinating!
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