Book Review: Wonderstruck

Wonderstruck
Author: Brian Selznick
Pages: 608 Hardcover
Reading Level: MG/YA
Release Date: September 13th 2011
Review Source: Scholastic Press
Available: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / IndieBound

Summary: (from goodreads) Set fifty years apart, two independent stories—Ben's told in words and Rose's in pictures—weave back and forth with mesmerizing symmetry. How they unfold and ultimately intertwine will surprise you, challenge you, and leave you breathless with wonder.

Ever since his mom died, Ben feels lost.
At home with her father, Rose feels alone.

He is searching for someone, but he is not sure who.
She is searching for something, but she is not sure what.

When Ben finds a mysterious clue hidden in his mom's room,
When a tempting opportunity presents itself to Rose

Both children risk everything to find what's missing.


With over 460 pages of original drawings and playing with the form he invented in his trailblazing debut novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Brian Selznick once again sails into uncharted territory and takes readers on an awe-inspiring journey. Rich, complex, affecting and beautiful, Wonderstruck is a stunning achievement from a uniquely gifted artist and visionary.

This is a very unconventional book; it combines two stories, one with words and the other with hand drawn pictures (almost like a graphic novel approach). At first I was a little skeptical about reading the book, but as I read it, I found it to be quite enjoyable. Brian Selznick, the author, does an amazing job of making the two stories flow together in harmony.

Wonderstruck is about finding yourself in the world. The story follows two deaf kids who live in different time periods. Ben lives in 1977 and lost his hearing when he was struck by lightning. Rose lives in 1927 and was born without hearing. Both kids are dealing with hard times that push them to runaway from their homes. The children then go on a quest to find their role in the world. Selznick really does a good job here; the stories are intertwined so well, that there are some surprises. As I said before I was a little skeptical about the book, but I am definitely glad I read it!