Joe Strong, the boy wizard; or, The mysteries of magic exposed

"Joe Strong, the Boy Wizard; or, The Mysteries of Magic Exposed" by Vance Barnum is an early 20th-century children's story about a boy named Joe Strong, whose knowledge of circus life and magic leads him on many exciting adventures. Opening with Joe and his pals chatting excitedly about a mesmerizing magic show, the story shows off Joe's own talent for illusions and his brave personality. His roots are mentioned as the child of a famous magician and a daring circus performer. A dangerous fire at a fireworks factory breaks out, pushing Joe to bravely save the trapped magician, Professor Rosello, setting the stage for his future in magic and showing that courage can be found in hard times.