Harry Houdini: Master Magician (Book Report Biographies)
A Book Report Biography Series
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Describes the career and accomplishments of the magician and escape artist who changed the field of stage magic and investigated the claims of spiritualism.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do you think made Harry Houdini a successful magician?
How do you think Houdini felt when he was performing his escape acts?
What can we learn from Harry Houdini's determination and perseverance?
Why do you think Harry Houdini is still remembered today?
If you could ask Houdini one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine being Houdini before a big performance and ask how they would feel in a similar situation.
Discuss the importance of practice and dedication in achieving one's goals, drawing parallels between Houdini’s life and challenges your child might be facing.
Explore together the history of the early 20th century and how it influenced entertainment and celebrity culture, providing context to Houdini's fame.
Use the story as a springboard to talk about handling failure and setbacks, asking your child how they think Houdini dealt with challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Dedication
Explanation: The book showcases Harry Houdini's relentless practice and constant improvement of his magic and escape techniques.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of practicing and dedicating themselves to their studies or hobbies to achieve success.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Challenges
Explanation: Harry Houdini faced many dangerous situations during his performances. The book demonstrates his bravery in overcoming these challenges.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and challenges, whether it's trying new activities or standing up for what's right.
Example Lesson: Importance of Ingenuity
Explanation: Houdini's ability to think creatively and come up with innovative escape techniques is highlighted throughout the book.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by using their imagination and creativity to solve problems or create new projects.
Example Lesson: Learning from Failure
Explanation: The book does not shy away from times Houdini failed but emphasizes how he used these experiences to improve.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that it's okay to fail and that failure can be a stepping stone to success.