Sid Fleischman’s energetic, enthusiastic narrative style in this biography of Harry Houdini cleverly makes use of hyperbole to suggest the showmanship that had a large part to do with making Houdini famous. Fleischman describes the illusions that Houdini created both on and off the stage as he packaged his life for public consumption while carefully guarding truths he felt wouldn’t sell, or were nobody’s business. Fleischman, a fellow magician, approaches his subject with great appreciation and understanding. Occasionally inserting himself into the narrative, he makes it a point to never reveal the secrets behind Houdini’s on-stage magic, while illuminating his subject’s life with relish. The result is an engaging, informative biography with a smoke-and-mirrors feel that some readers will find irresistible. Black-and-white photographs and playbill reproductions illustrate the volume. (Ages 10–14)