Ben and Rose each have a story, though they are set 50 years apart. One is told through pictures and the other through words. Yet, their stories have so much in common, as both kids find something that sparks their curiosity and leads them on a journey trying to find answers. As the stories unfold, the reader discovers that Ben and Rose have some things in common. From the clues in the pictures, readers are able to determine that Rose is deaf. Ben is deaf in one ear until he is involved in a fluke accident that changes his hearing and has him hospitalized. Will Rose and Ben find what they are looking for? Where will their quests take them? In what way are their stories connected? This is a must read book that you will not want to put down until you have worked out all of the clues!

After reading The Invention of Hugo Cabret I had been anticipating reading Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick. I was not disappointed! This book was amazing and was all that I wanted it to be and more. The pictures are so detailed and creative that I was captivated by each one. The style of the pictures is similar to Hugo, however, in Wonderstruck the drawings tell a different story than the one the reader is reading and this intrigued me. I loved pouring over each picture and trying to figure out how it might relate to Ben’s written story. Ben is such a determined character that my heart went out to him as he tried to adjust to his ever-changing life and new struggles that arose. I think this is a book that will appeal to all ages. I loved the settings and both characters. I learned so much from this book and I am now on my own quest to learn sign language! I cannot recommend this book enough and I am looking forward to future books by the amazing Brian Selznick.

Has anyone else read Wonderstruck or another book by Brian Selznick? Do you know sign language?

Happy Reading!
~L