Where I got it: ARC from AmazonVine
Rating: 5 stars
Cover Rating: 4 stars (The lightening and I love that blue.)
Genre: Middle Grade
Publication Date: September 13, 2011
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Page Count: 639 p.
Buy it: Book Depository / Amazon
Ben Wilson is now an orphan. He never knew who his father was and his mother was just in an accident. Luckily for Ben his Aunt and Uncle live right nearby so he moves in with them. He can't bring himself to go back into his house without his mother being their. This lasts until he sees a light on in his mother's room. Even though there is a storm mounting, he makes his way to the house to find out who it is. He has the smallest glimmer of hope that it is his mother. What he finds in that house is more than he could have bargained for, and sets him on a path to find out about all the secrets that make him who he is.
There are two amazing stories here that run parallel to each other. They are not necessarily happening at the same time, but the events that unfold seem to be very similar in both cases. Ben's story is told in words and the girl's story is told in pictures, beautiful stunning pictures. Brian Selznick has mastered the perfect blend of art and prose. His words, though sparse say so much. His images speak volumes. When you devour one of his books you realize why it takes him so long to make these novels. They are just complete. Wonderstruck was a fantastic story about a boy who goes through a lot and then still wants more. Ben's life is full of surprises, not always good ones either. Ben sets out to find things about himself, but disappointment lurks around every corner. Ben does end up with a lot of good stuff though. He finds a friend and a museum. I really loved this novel and will have to re-read it again and again. If you haven't read this one or the Invention of Hugo Cabret, you need to right now. Brian Selznick is a wonderful storyteller and he will completely capture your interest. I read this book in one sitting, because I just couldn't get enough. I will probably read it again when I get it back from my friend. A truly fantastic story that everyone of any age will love.
First Line:
"Something hit Ben Wilson and he opened his eyes."
Favorite Line:
"Ben felt like a bird flying above the sprawling expanse of New York City."
Ben Wilson is now an orphan. He never knew who his father was and his mother was just in an accident. Luckily for Ben his Aunt and Uncle live right nearby so he moves in with them. He can't bring himself to go back into his house without his mother being their. This lasts until he sees a light on in his mother's room. Even though there is a storm mounting, he makes his way to the house to find out who it is. He has the smallest glimmer of hope that it is his mother. What he finds in that house is more than he could have bargained for, and sets him on a path to find out about all the secrets that make him who he is.
There are two amazing stories here that run parallel to each other. They are not necessarily happening at the same time, but the events that unfold seem to be very similar in both cases. Ben's story is told in words and the girl's story is told in pictures, beautiful stunning pictures. Brian Selznick has mastered the perfect blend of art and prose. His words, though sparse say so much. His images speak volumes. When you devour one of his books you realize why it takes him so long to make these novels. They are just complete. Wonderstruck was a fantastic story about a boy who goes through a lot and then still wants more. Ben's life is full of surprises, not always good ones either. Ben sets out to find things about himself, but disappointment lurks around every corner. Ben does end up with a lot of good stuff though. He finds a friend and a museum. I really loved this novel and will have to re-read it again and again. If you haven't read this one or the Invention of Hugo Cabret, you need to right now. Brian Selznick is a wonderful storyteller and he will completely capture your interest. I read this book in one sitting, because I just couldn't get enough. I will probably read it again when I get it back from my friend. A truly fantastic story that everyone of any age will love.
First Line:
"Something hit Ben Wilson and he opened his eyes."
Favorite Line:
"Ben felt like a bird flying above the sprawling expanse of New York City."
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