Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

Another masterpiece! Once again, author and illustrator Brian Selznick has delivered on a story that is both picture book and novel. Wonderstruck is his second book in this format having won the Caldecott Medal for his first, The Invention of Hugo Cabret.

Wonderstruck follows two parallel stories - one told in words, the other in pictures. Ben is a deaf boy whose cherished mother has died in an accident leaving him to live with his aunt, uncle, and cousins. His story takes place in Minnesota in 1977. Rose is a lonely, deaf girl whose mother is a stage and silent movie star with no time for Rose. Her story, told in the illustrations, takes place in New Jersey in 1927.

How will their lives intertwine? Are Ben and Rose related? Will their stories come together in the end? As you follow this story you'll be drawn into their lives in unusual ways. A museum, wolves, New York City buildings, small cottages, new friendships, and sign language are a few. It's easy to finish this 637 page book in one day - there are so many dynamic illustrations!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm