Rebellion as Spiritual Activity in The Magician’s Elephant and The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Some orphans in children’s literature rebel in order to survive, but this rebellion can serve a deeper purpose. Readers may discover a spiritual dimension in the narratives through characters’ rebellious acts in The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo and Hugo in The Invention of Huge Cabret by Brian Selznick. Both books highlight a relational spirituality, suggesting that life-changing connections can develop compassion and a renewed sense of purpose.