The Invention of Hugo Cabret

The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Brian Selznick. Illus. by Brian Selznick. New York: Scholastic Press, 2007. 534 pages.  $22.99 (Hardcover) ISBN978-0-439-81378-5. Grades 6-10.

Potential Reactions…

What an AWESOME book for readers of most any age! I think young adults will love this book, and I think it is especially great for reluctant readers due to the illustration heavy format. When I picked this book off the shelf I was in shock, and I would expect any young person to be since it is the size of a brick (over 500 pages). When I opened the cover I was thrilled to see tons and tons of illustrations, and I think this form of book (novel in words and pictures) would fascinate young adults. Graphic novels are hot right now, and while The Invention of Hugo Cabret is not a graphic novel, it reads in a similar way. The illustrations depict parts of the story that does not occur in writing and it also illustrates what is written to a tee. I think young adults will enjoy seeing the story play out in front of them like a movie as they read along with it. I also think that the blank pages where text does appear builds suspense of what we will see next as the story develops. There are multiple series of illustrations that depict one event. The way that each double page spread can only show a piece of it leads to a flip book and building of the story. The story itself is also fun and will entice a variety of readers. There is mystery, drama, boy and girl characters, magic, science, exciting chase scenes, a foreign setting, a different time period, etc. I can’t think of one person who wouldn’t find at least one part of this book exciting. I think this book will pique the interest of many readers, especially because the science behind the automaton is still complicated and unknown to most young adults. I also think that since Georges Méliès is a real person that this book could serve great program/teaching potential. It could link to movies, magic, etc. Speaking of movies, a movie is in post production and is supposed to premier in 2011 entitled Hugo based on this book. Young adults love to see books in movie form, and here is another opportunity. I am not sure that a movie could live up to the amazing illustrations that already exist within the book’s cover, but it would be neat to see how the story from the pages can be turned in to real life. I think readers will want more books like this one after reading it.