For our birthday, the Concord Public Library sent us a book review. Okay, we know they send us one every week, but we just wanted to feel special. For more information about the library, visit concordpubliclibrary.net.
The Houdini Box
Brian Selznick, 2008
Written by Caldecott Winner Brian Selznick (“The Invention of Hugo Cabret”), “The Houdini Box” focuses on 10-year-old Victor, a would-be magician inspired by his hero, Harry Houdini. A chance meeting with the famed magician leads to an invitation to Houdini’s home. Sadly, Victor arrives on the day of Houdini’s death, but the magician’s wife gives Victor a small, locked box.
Expecting to find the secrets of Houdini’s magic, Victor discovers initials carved on the box, but they are not “H.H.” The initials, and therefore the box, belong to someone else. Disappointed, Victor relegates the box to the bottom of his closet without opening it and abandons his dream of becoming a magician.
As he grows into adulthood, Victor stores the box in the attic. Through a series of coincidences, Victor learns whose initials are carved on the box and finally discovers the Houdini Box’s secret.
In the added material at the end of the story, Selznick freely admits to altering some of the facts of Houdini’s life in order to make the story work. But he also offers facts about Houdini’s life and about the “real” Houdini Box.
Selznick’s illustrations are as excellent and evocative as those in “The Invention of Hugo Cabret.” The author provides young readers with background information on the creation of both the story and pictures.
The Houdini Box is sure to appeal to children interested in magic or in Harry Houdini. Although the plot may be a little too coincidental for some adults, its message about not giving up on your dreams makes the book a worthwhile read for children and adults alike.
