So what do we think? The Boy of a Thousand Faces

The Boy of a Thousand Faces

Selznick, Brian. (2000) The Boy of a Thousand Faces. New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 0-06-026265-6. Ages 9+; grades 4-8. See further information at www.litland.com  


This title should sound familiar to parents belonging to the Baby Boomer and Generation X eras. Younger parents may recognize it as well, particularly anyone with a love of classic film. It is a take-off of the name given to the famous actor, Lon Chaney, who was known as The Man of a Thousand Faces because of his versatility in portraying such as variety of characters. Selznick skillfully takes us into the life of a boy who wants to be just as versatile as Lon Chaney; to always be in disguise and not be recognized. He is mesmerized by the mystery, excitement and danger of real life monster sightings and classic horror flicks.

True to his style, Selznick has incorporated “real” photos of mythical monster mysteries as well as of real actors from classic movies. His own illustrations fit right in, which is a testament to his ability to capture the reality of a moment in both word and picture. Stylistic elements of the story mirror that of the classic films, using language that evokes suspense and flurry similar to the build up of villagers into mobs in film classics (or, as more recently parodied in the Wallace and Gromit spoof, The Curse of the Were-Rabbit).

It is a return to a time of innocence in a neighborhood where people are safe, Halloween is fun, costumes are home-made and appropriate. A time absent of today’s hustle and bustle, and where children are allowed to be....well, children. Another excellent book from Brian Selznick that we highly recommend!

So what do we think? The Houdini Box

The Houdini Box

Selznick, Brian. (2008) The Houdini Box. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon and Schuster. ISBN 10: 1-4169-6878-4. See review at www.litland.com

Quick to read and yet long in wonderment, Selznick’s first authored book demonstrates his ability to make every story a silent picture show. Historical facts are so smoothly woven into the storyline it is difficult to determine the line where reality cross over into fantasy. Replications of posters, pictures and articles from the era mixed with Selznick’s notable illustrations show us the emotions felt by Victor as he pursues his hero, Houdini.

The characters and their reactions are realistic for the era,  leaving the reader with the feeling they have been transported back in time even if just for a short while. Stylistically written and at times, perhaps, surreal, you will want to applaud and shout “yes!” at its ending. Parents should watch their kids while they read the book; they will be sure to see smiles on their faces. Litland.com highly recommends this book!

So what do we think? The Invention of Hugo Cabret

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Selznick, Brian. (2007) The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Scholastic Press. ISBN-10: 0439813786 Ages 9-12. Grades 4-7, although fun for the entire family. See full review at www.Litland.com .


Don’t let the size of the book fool you (544 pages), much of this story is shown to you rather than told to you. A seasoned illustrator, Selznick captures the emotions in silent movie style. This is a mystery about an orphaned boy living in Paris in 1931. The book opens with the protagonist attempting to steal, however, the boy eventually gets what he needs through honesty and hard work. Lacking a family, orphan Hugo Cabaret longs to learn more about his father's death in hopes that he may have left him a last message or that he may find some connection to his father. Hugo also attempts to find out the secret of the mechanical man on his own, however, he finds that he cannot do it without the aid of his friends who eventually help him to find closure.

True to its time period, the life of an orphan was one of surviving in any way possible, and often not the most virtuous of lives. However, Selznick’s character clearly means no harm to others, just survival for himself. As the reader is led through the moral dilemmas, remorse and recoursive action, this almost seems as if it were a fable. The adoption by the alcoholic uncle is reminiscent of classic characters such as Cinderella who, living in oppressive situations, remained obedient and hard working. We can imagine the boy’s despair, missing his father as he completed his father’s final project.

The automaton is only a window into the full mystery. Throughout the story, we see how the character’s lives may be interconnected and are pressed to fill in the pieces.

Most of the emotion is felt in the spectacular drawings in this book. Because it is done in the format of a silent movie, this book can easily catch the attention of both early and experienced readers alike. There is no bad language, violent situations, or frightening expos. There is no religious inferences or propogandae nor are there any anti-religious. It is simply a wholesome, family friendly adventure which ultimately displays the importance of remembering those who have passed and accepting the aid of friends who will help us to move forward. It is an absolutely fabulous, breathtaking book!

The 39 Clues Book 5: The Black Circle

Carman, Patrick. (2009) The 39 Clues Book 5: The Black Circle.  New York, NY: Scholastic Inc. ISBN-13: 978-0-545-06045-5. See full review at litland.com.

This book begins with word puzzles and mysteries to solve. Clues to find clues to the main clue! Along with it, the author sets the stage not only with details explaining the hunt for the 39 clues, but also Amy and Dan’s relationship and longing for their parents (p. 20).

Each book further develops one of the “bad guys” while also bringing more depth to the character of focus in the previous book. In book 5, Hamilton Holt shows more of his human side, willing to collaborate with Amy & Dan in order to please his dad. Irina’s character shows some concern for Amy & Dan, avoiding an opportunity to harm them, and we are given hints of some trauma in her past. While the bad guys remain a scary threat, they become more human too.

Amy and Dan’s superior pre-planning and information gathering definitely aid them in uncovering the clues by their deadline. We see their collaboration with and leadership of the Holts, taming their competition. Although the underdogs, they definitely elevate to being leaders in this race.

Final thoughts:

To those of us living in the west, Russia is a place of mystique and intrigue. With “secrets in Russia that had to be protected at all costs”, this feeling is captured brilliantly in book 5. Its colorful composition fuels the imagination.  New entries include a mysterious person directing Amy and Dan in their hunt. Planes, trains, motorcycles and on foot, the detailed description lets us feel as if traveling with the characters. The myths surrounding various historical persons of the last Tsar family add intrigue. We suggest quick Internet searches on these myths as you read along, and see if you can solve mysteries of history!