I've had today's read on my stack just waiting to be grabbed up...and wow, have my fingers been itching, too. But I don't play favorites, so it had to wait. That means I'm super excited to, finally, have the chance and dive in. Originally, this was published in Spanish but has reached the English market with power...as I understand. It is a serious read and hits on the theme of feeling invisible. From what I understand, this one will twist the gut hard and leave more than a little food for thought.
So, let's dive in and see how it goes.
INVISIBLE
by Eloy Moreno
Sourcebooks Young Readers
Tween Contemporary
336 pages
ages 10 to 13
When a thirteen-year-old boy is bullied at school, he discovers an ability to turn "invisible." An emotional and compelling portrayal of bullying and mental health, perfect for fans of RJ Palacio's Wonder.
"...I decided to find a new power, one so great they wouldn't be able to hurt me at all. And I finally found it."
"Which power was that?"
"I have the power to make myself invisible."
A boy wakes up in a hospital room with no memory of how he got there.
As time passes, the pieces of what happened that fateful day start falling into place, and the boy remembers his secret: he has the power to become invisible.
But the boy is hesitant to tell anyone the truth. What will they think of him if they find out the reason he gained this ability? And what if it makes everything worse?
Told in alternating perspectives following the boy, his friends, his parents, his teacher, as well as his bully, the events of that day are slowly revealed through flashbacks. A heart wrenching and powerful read for anyone who has ever felt "invisible."
"...I decided to find a new power, one so great they wouldn't be able to hurt me at all. And I finally found it."
"Which power was that?"
"I have the power to make myself invisible."
A boy wakes up in a hospital room with no memory of how he got there.
As time passes, the pieces of what happened that fateful day start falling into place, and the boy remembers his secret: he has the power to become invisible.
But the boy is hesitant to tell anyone the truth. What will they think of him if they find out the reason he gained this ability? And what if it makes everything worse?
Told in alternating perspectives following the boy, his friends, his parents, his teacher, as well as his bully, the events of that day are slowly revealed through flashbacks. A heart wrenching and powerful read for anyone who has ever felt "invisible."
MY TIDBITS
There are books, which are written for young readers but, actually, leave real food-for-thought for all ages. This is one of those.
A boy wakes up in the hospital in pain but unable to remember exactly what happened. His parents take turns staying with him, and a couple of friends visit as well. Bit by bit, his memory returns, and he realizes that he's lost his superpowers, especially that of being invisible. These were the only defenses he had against the drastic bullying he faced. When his parents introduce a new doctor, he decides to open up and the truth is harsher than anyone expected.
The author hits the gut by taking the usual, sugar-sweetness of imagination and twisting it into a last defense system for a boy in a very tragic situation. This boy is bullied hard, not just at school, but the band of kids manages to take it to other parts of his life. Although the boy seems to have a couple of friends, none really provide help. The boy's feeling of isolation pierces readers, especially since everyone has felt this way to a certain extent at one time or another. The boy translates all of this into monsters, which constantly follow and haunt him...and this sets off the light coating of bittersweet sadness as he develops so-called superpowers to offer a last chance of defense. While all of this is already enough to hit hard, the author then weaves the tale from different points of view and makes each character human and lays their thoughts and reasonings bare. Even that of the bully. These switches in POV are always clear, keeping confusion at bay to make the story and situations bring a realistic weight...and that is not easily forgotten.
While I haven't read this in Spanish, the English translation flows very well. While, sometimes, it's almost lyrical, others, the text punches, quick and short. The insights from the other characters dance and step in between with exactly what is needed to make the meaning sit. So, it's a delight to read from the literature side of things. As to the book in total...it's not a light read and destroys any sense of fuzzy feelings. It lets the boy's pain come across clearly and sticks with the reader long after the book is laid down.
This is the type of book, which classrooms and homeschoolers are going to want to take a peek at. There is a study guide available, which helps teachers or groups steer through this book with some questions, discussions, activities, role plays, and more. Of course, this won't be for every reader due to the depth and direction, but for those wanting to dive in, it's well worth the read.
You can learn more about Eloy Moreno...
Instagram: @eloymorenoescritor
No comments:
Post a Comment