(3) 4-6 This volume examines the life of Charlie Chaplin, a sad boy who grew up to become the world's greatest comedian. Fleischman's humorous wordplay ("Noise and chaos were Keystone's proof that the studio was putting its best footage forward") makes the energetic narrative come alive. Some archival photographs (more would have been welcome, given the visual nature of Chaplin's talent) accompany the text. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Peter Sís. An omniscient narrator describes eight-year-old Susana's encounters with the nightmare-capturing Dream Stealer. As the creature grows weary of his mission, he starts collecting happy dreams. Through fluid prose and vivid, often weird imagery, Fleischman maintains the story's dreamlike state. The tale, abstract at times, is well served by Sís's textured black-and-white illustrations, which help readers visualize the strange creatures and settings.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2009

(2) YA Twain's early years, adventurous travels, writing career, and popularity as a lecturer are examined in this biography. The text explores how his experiences informed his writing, with particular emphasis on "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County." Fleischman, an accomplished humorist himself, keeps the tone light through narrative wit and judicious use of Twain's sayings. Archival photographs are handsomely showcased on sepia-toned wallpaper. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2008

(4) 4-6 After World War II, former GI Freddie tours Europe, working unsuccessfully as a ventriloquist. When the ghost of a murdered Jewish boy (with the inapt humor of an older man) enters Freddie's body and speaks for the wooden dummy, the act soars. The novel abruptly darkens when the dybbuk reveals his deliberate plan to avenge his and other Jews' deaths. This sophisticated ghost story takes some wrong turns, but the premise is intriguing.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(2) 4-6 Adopting a tone somewhere between vaudeville announcer and carnival barker, Fleischman lures readers to the greatest show of all: reading. A magician himself, Fleischman does not disappear from the narrative but offers personal comments and conjures up verbal wordplay. He displays the drama of Houdini's escapades and adventures with sure and energetic pacing.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2006

(2) 1-3 When Run-Run's elephant accidentally sprays water on a cranky prince, he and Run-Run get a gift they neither want nor can handle: Sahib, a sacred white elephant. Fleischman's original tale tells a touching story of the enduring power of love. Short chapters, evocative pencil sketches, and a rich Siamese setting will hold the interest of readers and listeners alike.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2006

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by John Hendrix. "An exhausted sailing ship" limps into port; its arrival signals the start of an adventure for those on board, including twelve-year-old cabin boy Shipwreck. Onshore the crew (mostly loyal) faces a long-held grudge, a self-assured female bandit, and a little war between Mexico and the United States. This romp over the California countryside involves plenty of surefire escapades and cliffhanger chapter endings.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2005

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Chad Beckerman. Kevin and Holly, besides concluding that their archaeologist mother has died in an earthquake, are also being threatened by a stalker. They leave New Mexico for Venice, California, where they meet all manner of colorful characters. Although framed with hints of mystery, the novel primarily paints vivid character sketches of individuals living the fringe life in Venice; it fails to sustain a coherent plot.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2003

(2) 4-6 A lost gold mine is the pivotal element in this rapidly paced Western adventure, but the real treasure is Fleischman's ability to spin a yarn. Newly orphaned, twelve-year-old Bo Gamage travels from San Francisco to the Mojave Desert to join his estranged relations who hate him on sight because of a long-standing family feud--the resolution of which is the happy conclusion to this light-as-cotton-candy concoction, set in contemporary times.

Reviewer: Mary M. Burns | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2001

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Marylin Hafner. Told in six short chapters, these contemporary tall tales center around the effects of "a no-account little tornado" on a group of animals from Barefoot Mountain, including the fantastic Sidehill Clinger and J. J. Jones, a harmonica-playing pig. The well-paced illustrations are playful if unremarkable. The narrative moves well, and the dialogue is lively.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Jos. A. Smith. Orphaned Annyrose Smith, twelve when she is left with a heartless swindler during the California gold rush, manages to escape, only to be gathered up by infamous outlaw Joaqu_n Murieta. The characters of Joaqu_n, a Mexican Robin Hood, and Annyrose, spunky but thoughtful, clothe issues of loyalty and honesty in a roaring adventure story, smartly written and chock full of humor and derring-do.

Reviewer: Ann A. Flowers | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 1998