Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

First Line: "Something hit Ben Wilson and he opened his eyes."

About: Ben, living in Minnesota in the 1970s, has just lost his mother and is feeling out of place at his aunt and uncle's home. One night, after sneaking back into his old house, he finds a clue about who his father may be and Ben is off on an adventure. Rose, living in New Jersey in the 1920s, is struggling in life as a deaf person. Her father tries to protect her, her mother, a famous actress, tries to ignore her. As Ben and Rose tell their story, their paths slowly begin to cross and merge.

My Thoughts: Even better than Selznick's "The Invention of Hugo Cabret," I could not put "Wonderstruck" down. The illustrations are magical and moving and you will quickly fall in love with both Ben and Rose.
Highlights: Fast paced, thoughtful, unusual

Readalikes: The only book that is with a very similar format is Selznick's "The Invention of Hugo Cabret." But I also recommend "The Mysteries of Harris Burdick" and "The Chronicles of Harris Burdick" by Chris Van Allsburg.  Also try "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie and "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman.