Harry Houdini

There are plenty of biographies of the famous Houdini, but none that have as many illustrations, photos, or poster reproductions like this volume. The text is captivating enough to keep younger tweens interested and teach older tweens a few things they may not know about the mysterious character.

Cobb, Vicki. (2005). Harry Houdini: A Photographic Life. New York, NY : DK Pub. 128 pages. ISBN: 978-0-756-61246-7.

Ages 9-12
Rating: High Additional

The Great and Only Barnum

A candid and thorough look at one of the great entertainers of the 19th century. Known for perpetuating hoaxes and promoting curiosities (freak shows,) Mr. Barnum founded the circus that would become Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Fleming brings some of the lesser known facts about the man to the forefront with the help of primary sources- he was committed to public service and despite common conceptions, was a deeply religious man.

Fleming, Candace. (2009). Great and Only Barnum: the Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P. T. Barnum New York: Schwartz & Wade Books. 160 pages. ISBN: 978-0-375-94597-7.

Ages: 8-12
Rating: Outstanding

Can I See Your I.D.?

Unusual biographical accounts of 10 people who have assumed false identities- some to escape persecution or danger, some to escape paying for the crimes they committed, and some to simply live lives they couldn't live as they were. The stories include that of 16-year-old boy who impersonated a transit worker to fulfill his dream of piloting a New York City subway train in 1993 and that of an impoverished young woman who enchanted nineteenth-century British society while impersonating an Asian princess. The narratives are written in second person, so young readers can thoroughly get into the minds of real impersonators.


Barton, Chris. (2011) Can I See Your I.D.?: true stories of false identities. New York : Dial Books for Young Readers. 121 pages. ISBN: 978-0-803-73310-7.

Ages: 11+
Rating: Outstanding