Wonderstruck - Book Review

Title ~ Wonderstruck
Series ~ Single Title
Author ~ Brian Selznick
Release Date ~ September 13, 2011
Age Group ~ Middle Grade
Publisher ~ Scholastic Press
Source ~ Scholastic Press

GOODREADS SUMMARY

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.

REVIEW

If you think Wonderstruck is just a book with pictures, you are wrong. You are oh so wrong. Wonderstruck is two (make that three) stories in one. I had no idea what to expect and I went into it with an open mind. And….WoW!

First, there was Ben’s story, told in words. Ben relentlessly searched for his father and even faced being struck by lightning to find him. He was unstoppable and so brave. Ben’s words were short and to-the-point, every single one of them counting.

Next, there was Rose’s story, told in over 400 drawings. I know, 400! They look like pencil or charcoal drawings; some are simple and some complex. I was surprised by how easily these drawings told Rose’s story. Even the most simple drawing stood for many words.

Last, there was the story of Ben and Rose together. My favorite part! The way these two seemingly random people somehow came together was so cool. And everything that had been said before started to make so much more sense in the grand scheme. I loved how it all fit together so beautifully.  For that, the title makes sense because I was Wonderstruck.

RATING

5 Loved

COVER COMMENTS

Oh, it’s the lightning from the story! That blue sky is gorgeous. I like how the title is all big and puffy looking like the clouds too.