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Invention of Hugo Cabret, The

Publication Information

Author: Selznick, Brian

Illustrator: Selznick, Brian

Title: Invention of Hugo Cabret, The

Date: 2007

Publisher: Scholastic

City: New York

ISBN, paperback: 10-439-81378-6

ISBN, hardback:

Recommended audience:

ABE/ABLE: Yes

ESOL:

Family:

Young Adult: Yes

Picture:

General Information:

Book Type(s): fiction, historical fiction, graphic novel

HSE Descriptor(s): science| social studies

Summary:

Part fiction, part graphic novel, this winner of the 2008 Caldecott Medal tells the story of an orphaned boy who maintains and repairs clocks in a Paris train station and discovers the history of an automaton and its maker. When he meets a mysterious toy seller and his goddaughter, his undercover life and his biggest secret are jeopardized. Advanced readers should not be intimidated by the length since parts of the story are told in wordless black and white pencil illustrations reducing the 500 pages considerably.

Teaching Ideas:

Few could resist this story if the teacher introduces it in a read aloud. Readers should talk about how the illustrations further the story and at what points do they occur. Teachers will want to do some vocabulary work in advance of reading, especially with the French phrases. Since the book compares dreams and movies on several occasions, readers might want to write an essay after brainstorming some ideas in class. Hugo says at the end that he has built a new automaton. Compare his with the mechanical one. Check web sites for pictures of Paris train stations. It would be fun to have a watch repair person visit class and show the inner workings of a watch or clock. At least, teachers could tie in lessons on gears and ratios. Students could research the history of clocks and timepieces. Students could also reseasrch the history of film and compare films in the early days with films now.

Teaching Strategies: