Review By: Anonymous Submission
Published: Scholastic Press, 2011
Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Mystery
Audience: Grades 6–8
Content Warnings: Verbal and emotional abuse
Reviewer’s Note: “The images are beautifully drawn.”
Goodreads Link: Wonderstruck
Summary:
In Wonderstruck, two stories unfold across time—Ben’s in 1970s Minnesota and Rose’s in 1920s New Jersey. Both long for belonging and connection. Ben, recently orphaned and newly deaf, travels to New York City searching for his father. Rose, also deaf, escapes her distant parents and seeks out a silent film actress she idolizes. Their parallel journeys eventually converge in an emotional discovery at the American Museum of Natural History.
Review:
Brian Selznick’s Wonderstruck is a stunning blend of art and storytelling, weaving together wordless illustrations and lyrical prose to create a narrative rich in mystery and heart. The mirrored journeys of Ben and Rose explore loneliness, identity, and the universal search for family. Selznick’s illustrations are exquisite, drawing readers into moments of quiet wonder. Both characters’ deafness is portrayed with empathy and authenticity, offering representation rarely seen in middle-grade fiction. Perfect for readers who love history, art, or stories that celebrate curiosity and connection.
