The Invisible Boy

Book review by Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media
The Invisible Boy Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 6+

Kind tale of empathy shows how to reach out to left-out kid.

Trudy Ludwig Friendship 2013
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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

Stands out for and .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Invisible Boy is an excellent choice for sparking open-ended conversations with children about friendship and empathy. It shows small but important ways to be a good friend and challenge the power of a group. It's equally helpful for teaching kids how to be an upstander and for kids who feel excluded by their peers. Its gentle message is conveyed clearly without being overbearing.

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What's the Story?

Brian feels invisible. He's ignored by his classmates and even overlooked by his teacher. When a new student named Justin arrives, some of the kids poke fun at his lunch. Brian, who loves to draw when he's alone, leaves a picture in Justin's backpack with a note: "I thought the bulgogi looked good." Later, when it's time to pick partners in class, Brian again is shunted aside. Emilio chooses Justin, but then Justin suggests adding Brian to form a three-person team. At lunch, Justin calls Brian to join him at a table, with a welcoming nod from Emilio. Sharing cookies with Justin, Brian feels like he might not be invisible after all.

Is It Any Good?

With THE INVISIBLE BOY, author Trudy Ludwig taps into the everyday insecurities and agonies of elementary school without making anyone a villain. Patrice Barton's illustrations show similar empathy: Her depiction of a room of children sizing up the new kid is painfully on-target. She cleverly introduces Brian, the invisible boy, in shades of white and gray. As Justin starts to draw him into his social circle, the first blush of color tints his cheeks. By the story's end, Brian shares the same soft hues as his classmates.
Ludwig's message is neither strident nor cloying. Brian gets Justin's attention only by reaching out to him, and Justin helps open doors for Brian through small, thoughtful gestures. The discussion questions at the book's end are a terrific guide for parents and teachers, and the author's website has links to more resources.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how it takes someone else outside the group to pull Brian in. Why do people sometimes act callously when they're part of a group?
  • Have you ever felt excluded?
  • How could you help someone who might feel invisible?

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