Sometimes, I need to shed the irritation of YA fiction. Don't get me wrong, I love YA fiction. It can be amazing, and the stories can be fulfilling. However, there's a charming simplicity to Juvenile Fiction that I found refreshing. There's a certain nostalgic feeling that I like, that comes to me through J fic. 
 I was craving this feeling when I shelf-read at the library where I work. As I was going through the books, my eye caught two novels, the first being this one. And boy, was it a treat to read. 
 Selznick has a personal style that oozes individuality and beauty. 
 The illustrations as well as the phrases were charming. 
 This book is unique, in the fact that it tells two stories. Now, that in itself isn't so different, but the second story is only told through wonderful illustrations. This is Rose's story. The way he managed to catch the emotion, and fear of Rose in the pictures was impressive. The way that her plot developed in pictures was also very impressive. I loved that aspect. 
 Ben's story was told through carefully chosen and artistically crafted words. Ben's struggles were obvious, and the answers less so. My heart went out to the poor boy. 
 All in all, I loved this book. I'm not giving it five stars because I felt that something was missing. I'm not sure what, but I felt like Ben's side of the story could have used more development. The pacing of his plot was stilted, and that made it harder for me to lose myself. 
 Rose's part easily gets five stars though.