Title: The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Author: Brian Selznick
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Themes: Award Winners, Perseverance, Relationship Skills, Family, Self Management, Friendship
ISBN: 9781407166575
Publisher's Summary:
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick is a captivating blend of novel, picture book, and graphic novel that transports readers to 1930s Paris. The story follows Hugo Cabret, a resourceful orphan who secretly lives behind the walls of a bustling train station. After the disappearance of his uncle, Hugo keeps the station clocks running to maintain his hidden life. His most precious possessions are a broken automaton—an intricate mechanical figure—and a notebook filled with his late father's sketches and instructions for repairing it.
Hugo's quest to restore the automaton leads him to cross paths with Georges Méliès, an elderly toy booth owner with a mysterious past, and Isabelle, his adventurous goddaughter. Together, the children unravel secrets involving lost films, forgotten dreams, and the magic of early cinema. Throughout their journey, themes of resilience, friendship, and the power of imagination shine through.
Selznick's unique storytelling, combining evocative illustrations and text, immerses readers in the sights and sounds of old Paris while celebrating the history of filmmaking. The Invention of Hugo Cabret offers teachers a rich resource for exploring topics like perseverance, innovation, and the intersection of art and technology. The book's inventive format and historical context make it an engaging choice for classroom discussion, creative projects, and cross-curricular lessons.
