The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Synopsis:  The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a mysterious graphic novel about a young boy living in a Paris train station. He is an orphan and steals from local vendors to survive, but he is working on a project--a secret project--that no one can find, so he must be careful, but then someone catches him stealing…

Intended audience: Children ages 9-12, readers who like graphic novels, mysteries

But it might also appeal to: Adults, children younger than nine reading it with an adult, or teenagers interested in graphic novels, mysteries, mechanical toys, Paris or history.

Strengths: The book is almost exactly 1/2 illustrations and 1/2 text, which allows for a stronger reader to have a more visual experience, while a reader who appreciates comics and graphic novels will have an immediate "in." The mystery keeps the audience's attention to the very end.

Weaknesses: While the artwork is stunning, it is limited to black and white which was slightly disappointing. The language of the text, while mostly simple, does include a bit of challenging lingo related to the keeping of clocks and other mechanical contraptions. In this case, an adult reader who could "translate" might be helpful to a younger reader.

Special considerations: This is a physically LARGE book, which could be intimidating to a reader who has traditionally read shorter chapter books, however the actual text takes up very little space on the page and reads quickly when partnered with vivid images. There is also a film, which could be used for a comparison/contrast activity. There is also quite a bit of historical context in the novel that could serve extension opportunities for students.

Verdict: This magical novel would be an excellent addition to a elementary, middle or high school library has it has the potential to reach a wide variety of readers interested in art, poetic writing, mystery and interesting characters.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

Grades 9 and up--

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews tells the story of Greg an amateur film maker who is stuck (yes, that’s how he describes it) making frequent hospital visits to girl from his school who’s recently been diagnosed with leukemia. Witty and awkwardly funny in many parts, crude and inexplicable in others, I’m still working out my emotional response to this book.

Intended audience: Being that this has got to be one of the strangest books i’ve ever experienced (it was definitely more than a read, it was an experience), I am not 100% sure I know the audience for whom it was intended, but I think high school boys. Girls may have been considered, but definitely not as the core audience.

Audience to whom it may appeal: I can see this book appealing to both high school age boys and girls, and perhaps also the 18-25 range for young men. Though this might be stereotypical (okay, it’s flat out stereotypical), I found a lot of the humor quite crude and a bit offensive and feel other females might have a similar reaction.

Strengths: The unique structure of the book as a film script makes for a quick and interesting read. It is also written in the second person, where the narrator speaks directly to the reader, which has an odd effect. I liked that it was different than many YA novels I’ve read in that regard.

Weaknesses: Like I mentioned previously, the crude humor could be taken down a notch for a more universal readership, and the young narrator is extremely self-deprecating throughout the entire book, which I believe sends a negative message to young creative minds. There is also quite a bit of potty humor and a plethora of curse words with no limit on F-bombs.

Special considerations: This book was made into a movie, which I have yet to review.

VERDICT: I think the unique format of the book and the fact that it has been made into a movie, make this a book with few competitors in its vein. That said, I think a single copy of this book would suffice in a high school library. Though it might offend the first few who page through it, given the right student, a real connection could be made. And that’s the ultimate goal, right?