The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

By now you've probably heard of The Invention of Hugo Cabret.  If you have not or you've been putting off reading this modern classic, read it--now!  By author Brian Selznick, Hugo is an enchanting tale of mystery, magic, and friendship. The story follows a young orphan named Hugo.  He resides in a Paris railway station where he secretly cares for the clocks after the disappearance of his drunken uncle.  This, however, is not the biggest mystery surrounding Hugo.  He spends his spare time repairing a mysterious object left to him by his father.  Hugo finds himself unwilling entwined with a shopkeeper with his own secrets and his goddaughter. Through these unbidden friendships Hugo discovers answers and learns to trust.

This Caldecott Medal winner is beautifully illustrated by the author.  Double-paged drawings are found throughout the book.  There are so many illustrations that this story can easily be classified as a graphic novel.  These graphics move much of the story along when words are not enough.  Text does not even begin until page 46.

The would be an excellent read aloud for first- third graders.  This story could easily be used to teach comprehension strategies.  Though brimming with illustrations, the language in this book has the potential to create excellent mental images.  The mystery and wonder from cover to cover lends itself to questioning. Beyond comprehension, the vocabulary in this book is phenomenal.  I couldn't possibly list all the possibilities for vocab, but I choose several as a jumping off point.  You may choose to add more depending on your students' needs.

Vocabulary words: perch, agitated, thief, Station Inspector, scavenge, decrepit, intricate, artificial, lull, optimistic, trance, cavernous, mythology, guidance, divert, instinctively

Close Reading Questions:
Why does Hugo rub the notebook?  p. 51
What do you think Hugo was going to do with the gears, nails, and cogs? p. 52-53
Who is the author implying still lives in the train station?  p. 76
Why do you think Hugo is taking care of the clocks instead of his uncle? p. 77
Why is it so important to Hugo that he get his notebook back?  p. 120
Do you think Hugo would be less alone if he fixes the automaton?  p. 131
Would Hugo be happier if he didn't have so many secrets?  p. 205
Why do you think the old man saved the wind-up  mouse? p. 306
How do we know the old man didn't want people to know about his past? p. 385
How do we know Hugo changed his mind about secrets? p. 481
How did the automaton save Hugo's life? p. 510
Who is telling this story? p. 511