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WONDERSTRUCK

Wonderstruck
Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Selznick
Author's First Name: 
Brian
Publisher: 
Scholastic
Publication Date: 
2011
2013 Nomination (not yet selected): 

Two stories - one told in words and the other in Selznick's inimitable detailed drawings - intertwine and collide in fascinating ways, although they are about two different children in two different times. Wonderstruck delves into realms of history the reader may never have encountered before - museum history, Deaf culture... but can't help but be drawn in, as are your eyes to Selznick's art. Ten to Fourteen. Rhona Campbell

Two children living fifty years apart run away to Manhattan seeking what's missing from their lives. Ben's story, told in words and Rose's in intricate pictures, intersect at the American Museum of Natural History in this briskly cadenced visual mystery.

Comments

Meeting Notes for November

by ladamson - 11/22/2011 - 10:56pm

Meeting Notes for November 18

Positive Comments:

  • Readers feel like they are in the museum when they read the words and see the pictures.
  • The two different stories, one in text and one in illustration, keep the reader engaged through their meshing in the end.
  • The transitions include enough drama to keep the readers interested and wanting to know what will happen.
  • The segué between one story and the other includes symbols like lightning and, at other times, something unpredictable.
  • The suspense begins in the very first pages.

Observations:

  • Selzer credits Through Deaf Eyes as an important genesis for the book.
  • Selzer thanked Wendy Lukehart, Capitol Choices member, in the book.

Concerns:

  • This book belongs in 10-14 rather than in 7-10, and has been moved.