The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Brian Selznick
Published by Scholastic Inc.
Copyright 2007
Reading Level: 9-12 years
Pages: 544
Genre: Mystery
Summary: Hugo Cabret is a kid that lives in a train station in Paris taking care of the clocks alone after his Uncle disappeared. Hugo is a genius with clocks and tinkering with machines. His father had been a clock maker and repairer and taught Hugo. Hugo's father found an automaton in a museum and studied and worked at fixing it and wrote down all he learned and gave a copy to Hugo. His father died and the automaton was damaged. Hugo tries to fix it and he steals things from the toyshop to be able to fix it but gets caught stealing and the gentleman takes his notebook. The gentle man, Georges makes Hugo work for him to earn back his notebook and the things he stole. Hugo makes friends with Isabelle, Georges god daughter, and asks her to find his notebook. Hugo and Isabelle share a love for the movies and Hugo learns he's good at magic. Hugo fixes the automaton and learns that Georges was a famous film maker and Hugo gets caught living by himself. He is taken in by Georges and his wife and Hugo starts to fulfill his dream of being a magician.
My reaction to this book: This book blew my mind! but in a good way. I loved how the author used pictures to tell the story and text, but not at the same time. I also loved the way the story unveiled itself a little at a time until the end.
Potential Problems: It does talk about ghosts a little bit. That could be scary.
Recommendations: I would recommend this to older kids because of the story. Younger kids might enjoy the pictures but I think the story would be enjoyed more by older kids. Kids that enjoy mysteries and magic would definitely enjoy this book.
To see a preview of the book and to get information about the Hugo Cabret movie check out the Hugo Cabret website! www.theinventionofhugocabret.com
Other Books by this Author:
- Boy of a Thousand Faces
- The Houdini Box
- The Robot King
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