Wonderstruck (published in 2011) is an innovative work of children's literature written and illustrated by Brian Selznick. The novel uniquely utilizes both text and detailed illustrations to weave together two parallel narratives set fifty years apart. The book is renowned for its inventive storytelling format, in which the story of Ben, a boy living in the 1970s, is told through written prose, while the tale of Rose, a girl living in the 1920s, is conveyed purely through Selznick's intricate pencil sketches.
The novel's story unfolds around its two main characters, Ben and Rose, each longing for something missing in their lives. Ben, grieving the loss of his mother, stumbles upon a clue that might lead him to his unknown father. This sparks a journey from his home in Minnesota to bustling New York City. Rose's silent narrative, meanwhile, illustrates her isolated life as a deaf girl in Hoboken, New Jersey, fascinated by a silent film actress. Driven by an intense desire for something more, Rose also ventures into New York City.
Upon its release, Wonderstruck was met with widespread acclaim. Critics and readers alike praised Selznick's innovative blending of illustrations and text, commenting on the seamless way the two narratives are woven together. The novel's nuanced exploration of deaf culture, its portrayal of the power of determination in the face of adversity, and the compelling journey it takes readers on were also highly commended. Wonderstruck received numerous awards and honors, including the 2012 Schneider Family Book Award for Middle School, and was a finalist for the 2012 Indies Choice Book Awards. Furthermore, the book's success led to it being adapted into a film by esteemed director Todd Haynes in 2017, further solidifying Wonderstruck's impact on the literary and cinematic world. In their review of the novel, The Guardian said that Selznick's illustrations "are stunning" and the novel overall is "impressive."
