The Amazing Adventures of John Smith, Jr. Aka Houdini - Tapa dura

A middle-schooler writes a kids' novel; an author writes an engaging, amiable read-and, presto, a tale about a boy nicknamed Houdini turns out magical....By turns poignant and downright hilarious, Houdini's story/novel is delivered in a voice that's wonderfully authentic.--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"The perfect book for adolescent readers---especially boys---who like humor combined with characters that seem completely real. [A] satisfying novel that will leave readers happy they met Houdini."--Providence Journal

"Johnson (Loserville) delivers a strong contemporary urban novel with cross-gender appeal. . . . Johnson offers solid insights into the varied well-drawn characters, and readers will appreciate Houdini's realization that 'writing makes you think very hard about things.'"--Publishers Weekly

"A bit grittier and more believably boylike than most contemporary first-person narratives, this novel has a lot of heart as well. And while a narrator who makes lists is common enough, Houdini's are decidedly more amusing than most."--Booklist

"The perfect book for adolescent readers--especially boys--who like humor combined with characters that seem completely real. [A] satisfying novel that will leave readers happy they met Houdini."--Providence Journal

A middle-schooler writes a kids novel; an author writes an engaging, amiable read-and, presto, a tale about a boy nicknamed Houdini turns out magical. . . . By turns poignant and downright hilarious, Houdini s story/novel is delivered in a voice that s wonderfully authentic. --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"

Johnson (Loserville) delivers a strong contemporary urban novel with cross-gender appeal. . . . Johnson offers solid insights into the varied well-drawn characters, and readers will appreciate Houdini s realization that writing makes you think very hard about things. --Publishers Weekly"

A bit grittier and more believably boylike than most contemporary first-person narratives, this novel has a lot of heart as well. And while a narrator who makes lists is common enough, Houdini s are decidedly more amusing than most. --Booklist"

The perfect book for adolescent readers especially boys who like humor combined with characters that seem completely real. [A] satisfying novel that will leave readers happy they met Houdini. --Providence Journal"

"A middle-schooler writes a kids' novel; an author writes an engaging, amiable read-and, presto, a tale about a boy nicknamed Houdini turns out magical. . . . By turns poignant and downright hilarious, Houdini's story/novel is delivered in a voice that's wonderfully authentic."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Thirteen-year-old John "Houdini" Smith tries to write a book about what is happening in his life--from his parents' worries about money and his brother in Iraq, to his new understanding of people while he and his friends rake lawns in their run-down Providence, Rhode Island, neighborhood. 25,000 first printing.