Book Review: The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Genre: 
Historical Fiction

Interest Level:
Ages 9 and up

Reading Level:
Lexile 820, Grades 3 and up

Book Theme:
Importance of family, loss of family members, the power of imagination


Books with Similar Themes:  
Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms by Lissa Evans, The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby

Bibliographic Information:
Selznick, B. (2007). The invention of Hugo Cabret: A novel in words and pictures. New York: Scholastic Press.

Story's Website:
http://theinventionofhugocabret.com/index.htm

Plot:  
The Invention of Hugo Cabret takes places in France during the 1930's. The main character is Hugo Cabret, a young orphan boy. Hugo is working on a Automan, a robot his father worked on before he died in a fire at a museum. Hugo is being cared for by his uncle, who keeps the clocks running in the city. One day he disappears and doesn't come back, so Hugo takes over the job to avoid being discovered. He has to steal to survive but is caught by toy seller Papa Georges. Papa Georges steals Hugo's prized notebook and threatens to burn it. Hugo must help Papa Georges in his shop to get it back. He befriends Papa Georges' god-daughter Isabelle who tries to help Hugo get the notebook back. The children discover that Papa Georges has some secrets he's been hiding about his part life, including his connection to the Automan. Can the two children discover them, or will they remain secrets forever?

Review:  
The Invention of Hugo Cabret is an incredible story with unforgettable illustrations. It's very similar to a graphic novel, which tweens love, so many tweens will be drawn in just by the pictures alone. The story deals with tween issues such as establishing independence, the importance of family, and the value of friendship. Hugo and Isabelle also are learning more about the world around them, or at least the world of their families, as the stories unfolds, something tweens will understand as well. The Invention of Hugo Cabret was made into a popular film titled Hugo, which may draw reluctant readers to the book. The Invention of Hugo Cabret is also a great story for tweens to share with their parents and families because of the family theme and illustrations. The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a must-read for all tweens, especially those who are reluctant readers, who enjoy amazing illustrations, or who just want to escape into a world that will stimulate their imagination!

Notable Tweens:

Hugo Cabret- The main character of the story, twelve-year-old Hugo is a mechanical genius who can wind all the clocks in Paris and tinker with machinery like the Automan. He is also resourceful and can survive on his own, that is until he got caught!

Isabelle Méliès- The god-daughter of Papa Georges, Isabelle is also an orphan. She is precocious, curious, and a bit annoying, but she and Hugo eventually become good friends.