The Invention of Hugo Cabret Synopsis and Critique

The Invention of Hugo Cabret. ISBN 978-0-439-81378-5. Brian Selznick (Author & Illustrator). 2007. Caldecott Award. Age 10-13. White working class.

Synopsis
The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a story about a young, orphaned boy fending for himself in 1930s France.  Taken in by his uncle after his father's death, he is soon abandoned again when his uncle fails to return one night.  He tends to the clocks in the train station, something his uncle taught him, and survives by stealing what he can.  His motivation for living is to restore the automaton that his father had found, in hopes that he will receive a message from his deceased father.  He is caught stealing toys from the toymaker in the train station, and from there Hugo's life takes an unexpected turn as he finds himself thrust deeper into the mystery of the automaton alongside a young girl named Isabelle.  Together they unravel the mystery of the automaton and the toymaker, Georges Melies (Papa Georges).  In the end, they help restore not only the automaton, but Georges Melies' confidence in his material as a magician and a filmmaker, and Hugo begins work as a magician and creator of his own automatons, as he is taken in by Papa Georges.

This book would be a good book to put in with a unit on books that have been turned into movies, or even just a unit about films.  It would also be interesting to watch some of the films directed by Georges Melies.  Students could also address and discuss the issue of loneliness and how Hugo handles being an orphan and taking on responsibilities outside his age level.  The language makes it ideal for early readers of young adult literature, and possibly even elementary aged children.

Critique
Though the storyline and plot are well-written, it is the pictures that carry this book and keep the reader captivated.  Brian Selznick's drawings are beautifully mastered and the way he draws a succession of pictures as if they are being zoomed in on with a camera is a very creative way to integrate the feeling of the book being a film.  As far as young adult literature goes, this book would definitely be for a younger audience with the simplicity of the language, structure and plot.  With all the pictures it is also a very short read, but the pictures would allow a younger audience to possibly be more interested in the characters and their stories.

The characters are well-written and each fills the role that they are meant for.  Hugo as the young protagonist and Isabelle as his wily sidekick.  From the beginning the reader can sense that Papa Georges isn't the true antagonist, and that deep down he is not as mean-hearted as he seems.  This adds to the mystery that Hugo and Isabelle decide to unlock together.

The plot moves smoothly, a little to quick for an adult, however this is written for a younger audience.  Events seem to unfold naturally and as the story progresses Hugo and Isabelle begin to realize how deeply intertwined the events have made them.  There is also some foreshadowing as to how the message from the automaton will help Hugo's life but not in the way he expected.  By the end of the story the reader is happy to discover that Hugo is able to find a loving family and fulfill his dream of being a magician and automaton maker.