While reading the story, here are some things to think about:

• Who is David Copperfield?
• When did he give his first magic performance?
• Why does he like performing?
• How many shows does he give a year?
  

A Magical Journey

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David Copperfield talks about his tricks and triumphs

(Taken from an interview with David Copperfield in the February 2006 edition of Scholastic.com)

Copperfield first became interested in magic as a small boy, when his grandfather showed him a card trick. After that, he started reading library books about magic. "I'd try to figure out my own method of doing the trick before reading the solution," he says. "I found I could create my own illusions very easily."

Copperfield gave his first magic performance when he was 12. He discovered that it was a good way to overcome his shyness and meet girls, so he kept at it. By 16, he was teaching a magic class at New York University and was the youngest-ever member of the Society of American Magicians. Since then, he has performed thousands of times, giving hundreds of shows per year.

"The audiences are what keep me enthusiastic," he said. "They're very warm and caring—they really embrace me."

In return, Copperfield aims to make magic more emotional and meaningful for his audiences. "I try to help people realize their dreams by using magic to tell stories that educate, move, and inspire," he said.