The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Selznick, B. (2007).  The invention of Hugo Cabret.  NY:  Scholastic.

Hugo, a 12 year old orphan, lives in the Paris train station, tending to the clocks.  Hugo is obsessed with getting an automaton (a robot that sits at a desk ready to write) to work (to "save his life").  By using a notebook from his father, he steals parts from the toy store in the train station, for the automaton.  Hugo gets caught by the toy store owner, an old man, and has to work off his debt for all the things he stole, meanwhile he learns the connection of the toy maker to the automaton and develops a relationship with him and his goddaughter (Isabelle).  Through more discovery and developed relationships, the book ends with Hugo becoming a magician.  The characters in this story are believable and relatable.  The pictures play a huge role in the plot, which makes this book even more intriguing.  The plot is full of coincidences and keeps the reader engaged.  It's not necessarily a graphic novel, but the story would not be the same without the illustrations and photographs.  Here is a trailer for the book, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0r5io-wtGs .