Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick: An Award-Winning Family Book Review

If you love stories about overcoming obstacles and discovering hidden talents, then Wonderstruck is the perfect book for you. Written by celebrated author Brian Selznick, this New York Times bestselling novel tells the story of two children separated by fifty years who are both searching for something they have lost.

The narrative alternates between the two stories, which eventually come together in a stunning climax. The illustrations add an extra layer of emotion to the story, making it truly special. By turns funny and heartbreaking, this book will stay with you long after you finish it.

Apart from being an engrossing read, Wonderstruck also won several awards including the Schneider Family Book Award and was even adapted into a movie. Read on to find out what makes this book so unique and why it’s worth your time!

Wonderstruck Review

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Wonderstruck is a must-read for young readers. It was the winner of the 2012 Schneider Family Book Award, and it has been praised for its ability to bring together two seemingly disconnected stories. Wonderstruck follows the lives of Ben and Rose, two children who live decades apart but whose lives are connected in mysterious ways. This book is a magical adventure that will captivate readers of all ages.

Key Features:

1) Winner of the 2012 Schneider Family Book Award.

2) Follows the lives of Ben and Rose, two children from different eras.

3) Combines two seemingly disconnected stories in a unique way.

4) Magical adventure captivates readers of all ages.

If you’re looking for an exciting and imaginative read, Wonderstruck is it! This captivating story is full of mystery and suspense that will keep you turning pages until the very end. With themes of family, friendship, and faith, readers are sure to be moved by this heartwarming tale. There’s something special here for everyone –– kids, teens, and adults alike –– so don’t miss out on this amazing book!

Product Details

Title Wonderstruck
Author Brian Selznick
Genre Family / Historical Fiction
Publication Date October 11, 2011
Awards and Honors
  • “Schneider Family Book Award” Winner 2012.
  • “ALA Notable Children’s Book” 2012.
  • “New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book” 2011.
  • “Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year” 2011.
  • “Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year” 2011.
Description
Ben and Rose are children from two different eras who secretly wish their lives were different. Ben longs for the father he has never known, while Rose dreams of a mysterious actress whose life she chronicles in a scrapbook. When Ben discovers a puzzling clue in his home and Rose reads an enticing headline in the newspaper, both children set out on quests to find what they are missing that unfold with mesmerizing symmetry.

Wonderstruck Pros and Cons

Wonderstruck: A Schneider Family Book Award Winner

1. Pros

  • A captivating story about a deaf girl’s journey to find her missing father.
  • Beautifully crafted illustrations that bring the story to life.
  • Themes of family, friendship, and identity are explored in a meaningful way.
  • Gripping plot with plenty of unexpected twists and turns.

2. Cons

  • Some readers have found the narrative structure confusing.
  • May be too mature for younger readers due to its subject matter.

“Wonderstruck” is an award-winning book that will leave you spellbound! Written by acclaimed author Brian Selznick, it tells the story of Rose, a young deaf girl who embarks on a magical journey to find her missing father. The beautiful illustrations draw you into Rose’s world as she discovers secrets from her past. With themes of family, friendship, and identity woven throughout, this gripping tale will keep you guessing until the very end. While some readers may find the narrative structure confusing at times, it’s worth the effort for an unforgettable experience. Younger readers may need guidance due to its mature subject matter, but overall “Wonderstruck” is an amazing book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it!

Who are They for

With Wonderstruck, acclaimed author and Caldecott Medal winner Brian Selznick delivers a captivating story of two time periods, two children, and one mysterious connection. Wonderstruck is a 2012 Schneider Family Book Award recipient and has since become a beloved classic for both adults and children alike.

Wonderstruck is the story of Ben and Rose, two children from different times who are connected by an old mystery. When twelve-year-old Ben discovers a clue that leads him to an abandoned museum, he embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about his past. At the same time, fifty years earlier, Rose is running away from her home in search of a secret that has been kept from her. Their lives intertwine in unexpected ways as Ben attempts to solve the mystery of his own family history while Rose uncovers secrets of her own.

Filled with breathtaking illustrations, Wonderstruck is sure to captivate readers young and old alike. Through its vivid imagery and compelling plot, this gorgeous picture book teaches us the importance of family and reminds us that our stories are all interconnected. With its heartwarming characters and heartfelt storytelling, Wonderstruck will remain in your heart long after you’ve finished reading it.

My Experience for Wonderstruck

Lloyd Kaufman

I was so wonderstruck the first time I read Wonderstruck, that I just had to share my experience with everyone. It’s a story about a boy who is deaf, and his journey to unlock family secrets from the past. The journey takes him from New York City in 1977 all the way to Wisconsin in the 1920s.

The beauty of this story lies in its ability to capture both the hearing and non-hearing world. Each page is filled with captivating descriptions of Ben’s adventure, as well as moments of silence and reflection. I felt like I was transported into Ben’s world, as if I could feel every emotion he was going through.

Wonderstruck is also recognized for its unique illustrations, which provide an amazing visual accompaniment to the story. The drawings have a dreamy quality, which makes them perfect for daydreaming or getting lost in another world.

At the end of the book, my heart was full of wonder and awe. It’s truly a remarkable story that will stay with me forever!

 

What I don’t Like

1. Wonderstruck has a slow pace that may not be suitable for all readers.
2. The book may not be suitable for younger children due to its complex plot and themes.
3. Wonderstruck can sometimes feel disjointed, as it jumps between two different timelines and stories.
4. Some readers may find the historical elements of the novel difficult to follow or understand.
5. There are some moments in the book where the characters’ motivations don’t make sense.
6. Wonderstruck does not provide much closure at the end, leaving many questions unanswered.

How to Build a Story with Wonderstruck

Do you have a story inside of you that’s just waiting to come out? If so, the book Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick is an excellent tool for helping you bring it to life! This award-winning novel provides an imaginative approach to storytelling that blends words and pictures. It’s perfect for young readers and adults alike! Here are some tips on how to use Wonderstruck to build your own stories:

1. Find Inspiration – Use the characters and settings from Wonderstruck as a starting point for your own story. Create a character similar to one in the book, or pick an element from the plot and make it your own!

2. Think Visually – As you create your story, start drawing pictures to help visualize it. You don’t need to be an amazing artist – simple sketches can go a long way in bringing your ideas to life.

3. Write & Draw Simultaneously – Don’t limit yourself to either writing or drawing – do both! Use words and images together to tell your story as you go along. This will help ensure that your story has continuity and flow.

4. Take Your Time – Creating a story takes time, so don’t rush it! Allow yourself the freedom to explore different directions and ideas until you find something that resonates with you.

With these tips, you can use Wonderstruck as an inspiring resource for building your own stories! Have fun creating and let this award-winning novel be your guide.

Questions about Wonderstruck

 

What is Wonderstruck?

Wonderstruck is a magical and mysterious story by Brian Selznick. It follows two children, Ben in 1977 and Rose in 1927, as they search for clues to their family histories. Along the way they both encounter strange and wondrous events.

Who Should Read Wonderstruck?

Wonderstruck is suitable for readers of all ages, but it will likely be most appealing to readers between the ages of 8 to 12.

What Awards Has Wonderstruck Received?

Wonderstruck has been awarded many prestigious awards including the Kirby Larson Award for Historical Fiction, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award for Fiction and Poetry, and the Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production.

Where Can I Purchase Wonderstruck?

You can purchase Wonderstruck on Amazon at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Wonderstruck-Schneider-Family-Book-Award/dp/0545027896.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.

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