The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Interest Level: 4 - 7

Grade Level Equivalent: 5.2

Lexile Framework: 820L

Guided Reading: NR

Book Type: Chapter Book

Genre/Theme:

• Comic Books and Graphic Novels
• Mystery and Suspense

Topics:

• Cleverness, Creativity and Imagination
• Coping with Death, Grief, and Loss
• Movies
• Overcoming Obstacles

About This Book

2008 Caldecott Medal Winner

Orphan, Clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.

Watch a video interview with Brian Selznick.

Brian Selznick shares stories about creating The Invention of Hugo Cabret in this video. 

"Here is a true masterpiece — an artful blending of narrative, illustration and cinematic technique, for a story as tantalizing as it is touching." — Publishers Weekly, starred review

"... a uniquely inventive story.... elegantly designed to resemble the flickering experience of silent film melodramas." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

" … complete genius ... The Invention of Hugo Cabret is foremost good storytelling."

"...this ambitious, intelligent piece of bookmaking demands and deserves attention..." — Booklist, boxed review

"Hugo Cabret sits at the nexus of magic and storytelling and film, and ... Brian Selznick shows us a little magic of his own." — The New York Times Book Review

A New York Times Best Illustrated Book
A New York Times Bestseller
The Quill Award for Children's Chapter Book
An NCTE Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts
A Publishers Weekly Best Book
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book
A New York Public Library Best Book for Reading and Sharing