I read the book back when it first came out and I liked it but wasn't blown away by it. I really liked it but it felt like it was for older elementary more than even middle grade because it was so innocent (in fact, I think it is on our summer reading list for 4th or 5th grade?)

Selznick has improved a lot. Have you read 'The Marvels'??

Now I feel like I should see the movie though, sounds like it would be at least be pretty, and maybe improve upon the book (though I love the idea of the book, with the story told with both text and full page images...though I think Marvels does it better)