What's the trick to writing more than 60 books? Award-winning author Sid Fleischman found the magic of writing a book is well, like magic. Fleischman toured as a professional vaudeville magician after he finished high school and wrote several books about magic before he realized that a mystery novel is very like a magic trick-only the author is kind enough to explain what's happened where a magician keeps his secrets to himself.
He began writing detective stories, suspense tales, and other pulp fiction for adults after spending four years in the Naval Reserves during World War II and then graduated from San Diego State College in 1949.
After his work as a reporter on the San Diego Daily Journal ended when the paper folded in 1950, Fleischman began writing novels and screenplays. He says he began writing books for children when his own children were old enough to start asking questions about what kind of job he had since he was at home all day. He wrote a story for them which not only cleared up the mystery about his profession, but hooked him on writing for kids.
Many of Sid Fleishman's books are laugh-out-loud funny, but he believes they're comic on the surface and really very serious underneath. He doesn't plan this or any part of his novels. He just starts writing and then improvising day-by-day until he reaches the end. It's a process that he admits isn't for everyone, but has certainly paid off for the Newbery Award-winning author.
Books by This Author
Abracadabra Kid: A Writer's Life
Told with verve and humor, Newbery-winner Sid Fleischman recalls his early years in San Diego during the Depression, reveals how he became captivated by magic, theater, and story — all of which influenced the man he grew into.
Bandit's Moon
Annyrose narrates her adventurous saga of life with a Mexican Robin Hood-like bandit as she tries to find her brother who's off trying to get rich during the California Gold Rush. Part historical fiction, part tall tale, Annyrose is sure to delight readers of all ages.
By the Great Horn Spoon!
Jack leaves the comfort of his aunt's Boston home lured west by the California Gold Rush. Accompanied by his aunt's British butler, Praiseworthy and Jack find not just riches to save his aunt but lots of memorable characters and lots of adventure.
Escape: The Story of the Great Houdini
How did a poor boy named Ehrich Weiss became the famous escape artist, Harry Houdini? The author, best known for his original tall tales and novels, demonstrates his ability to tell a spellbinding true story and shares his appreciation for the mystery of magic.
Ghost in the Noonday Sun
Twelve-year old Oliver is kidnapped, pressed into service on a pirate ship, and finds adventure that includes outwitting a ghost who guards pirate treasure. Rich language is used in this fast-paced, exhilarating adventure tale.
Here Comes McBroom: Three More Tall Tales
Three outrageous tales told by Josh McBroom, the farmer of an amazing one-acre farm, are compiled here, just right for reading and laughing out loud: "McBroom Makes Rain," "McBroom's Ghost," and "McBroom's Zoo."
The White Elephant
Run Run is a young elephant handler – a mahout – who lives in old Siam with his beloved elephant, Walking Mountain. When the boy and his elephant accidentally insult a spiteful prince, Run Run turns the prince's "gift that is a curse" — a sacred white elephant — into a blessing. Their riveting story is told by a Newbery Medal-winning author.
