Wonderstruck tells two stories simultaneously: one story is told through words, and the other story is told through author Brian Selznick's illustrations.
The first portion of the novel is set in 1977 and follows a young man named Ben Wilson, who lives in a town called Gunflint Lake, Minnesota (in the U.S.) with his aunt and uncle. Ben, who was born deaf in one ear, went to live with his aunt and uncle after his father abandoned him and his mother died in a car crash. One day, after rummaging through his mom's old possessions, he discovers a clue that could lead him toward the identity of his father.
Ben starts investigating who his father is but is suddenly struck by lightning (hence the title of the novel, Wonderstruck), and he goes fully deaf. Because of this, his life -- and the search for his father -- becomes more challenging. Ben subsequently finds a clue which leads him to New York City. As a result, he leaves his aunt and uncle's house and goes to New York City. While in New York City, he goes to the American Museum of Natural History, a place that his mother loved and felt deeply connected to. While there, he finds more clues about his father.
The second story thread is set in 1927 and is told solely through illustrations. It follows a young, also deaf girl named Rose, who lives in Hoboken, New Jersey. But Rose is not happy with her life in Hoboken and frequently leaves her parent's house to go to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City so that she can lose herself in the hustle and bustle.
In different ways, Rose and Ben struggle with their identities. They need help to figure out who they are and people who they can connect with. Both long for friendship and connection but have trouble finding it. Like Ben, Rose ultimately discovers who she is and starts to forge long-term relationships with people.
Ultimately, readers discover that Rose is Ben's grandmother. As a young woman, Rose had an affair with a curator at the Museum of Natural History. She became pregnant but gave up Ben's mom for adoption because she was unable to care for her.
Upon meeting, Rose shares her story with Ben, which helps him understand his past and the history they share. Together, the two form a strong bond with each other, thus giving each other the sense of belonging, family, and connection they had been yearning for their entire lives. As a result, Ben gives up his quest to find the identity of his father, content with knowing his grandmother.
