The Invisible Boy

Illustrated by Patrice Barton
$7.99 US
RH Childrens Books | Knopf Books for Young Readers
On sale Oct 08, 2013 | 9780449818206
Age 6-9 years
Reading Level: Lexile AD680L | Fountas & Pinnell N
Sales rights: World

A gentle story that teaches how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish, from esteemed author and speaker Trudy Ludwig and acclaimed illustrator Patrice Barton.

A simple act of kindness can transform an invisible boy into a friend...

Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody in class ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party . . . until, that is, a new kid comes to class.

When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.

Any parent, teacher, or counselor looking for material that sensitively addresses the needs of quieter children will find The Invisible Boy a valuable and important resource. Includes a discussion guide and resources for further reading. 

  • WINNER
    School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
  • SELECTION | 2017
    Illinois State Library Monarch Award
  • NOMINEE | 2016
    Georgia Children's Book Award
  • NOMINEE | 2015
    Kentucky Bluegrass Award
  • SELECTION | 2015
    Missouri Show Me Reader Master List
  • SELECTION | 2015
    Nebraska Golden Sower Master List
  • SELECTION | 2015
    Tennessee Volunteer State Book Master List
  • SELECTION | 2015
    Virginia Young Readers Program Master List
  • NOMINEE | 2014
    Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award
  • SELECTION | 2014
    IRA Teachers' Choices
"A lovely lesson in the simple acts of friendship, especially recommended for the most popular kids in class." —USA Today

"This is a simple yet heartfelt story.” —School Library Journal, starred review

"Tender illustrations rendered in glowing hues capture Brian’s isolation deftly...Accessible, reassuring and hopeful." —Kirkus Reviews

"Ludwig and Barton understand classroom dynamics...They portray Brian’s situation as a matter of groupthink that can be rebooted through small steps. It’s a smart strategy, one that can be leveraged through the book’s excellent discussion guide."
—Publishers Weekly

"Trudy Ludwig has given us the gift of another empathic, poignant book for children that addresses the complex topic of peer relationships...A must-read."
—Carrie Goldman, award-winning author of BULLIED: What Every Parent, Teacher, and Kid Needs to Know about Ending the Cycle of Fear

Classroom Activities for The Invisible Boy

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

Discussion Guide for The Invisible Boy

Provides questions, discussion topics, suggested reading lists, introductions and/or author Q&As, which are intended to enhance reading groups’ experiences.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

About

A gentle story that teaches how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish, from esteemed author and speaker Trudy Ludwig and acclaimed illustrator Patrice Barton.

A simple act of kindness can transform an invisible boy into a friend...

Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody in class ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party . . . until, that is, a new kid comes to class.

When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.

Any parent, teacher, or counselor looking for material that sensitively addresses the needs of quieter children will find The Invisible Boy a valuable and important resource. Includes a discussion guide and resources for further reading. 

Awards

  • WINNER
    School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
  • SELECTION | 2017
    Illinois State Library Monarch Award
  • NOMINEE | 2016
    Georgia Children's Book Award
  • NOMINEE | 2015
    Kentucky Bluegrass Award
  • SELECTION | 2015
    Missouri Show Me Reader Master List
  • SELECTION | 2015
    Nebraska Golden Sower Master List
  • SELECTION | 2015
    Tennessee Volunteer State Book Master List
  • SELECTION | 2015
    Virginia Young Readers Program Master List
  • NOMINEE | 2014
    Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award
  • SELECTION | 2014
    IRA Teachers' Choices

Praise

"A lovely lesson in the simple acts of friendship, especially recommended for the most popular kids in class." —USA Today

"This is a simple yet heartfelt story.” —School Library Journal, starred review

"Tender illustrations rendered in glowing hues capture Brian’s isolation deftly...Accessible, reassuring and hopeful." —Kirkus Reviews

"Ludwig and Barton understand classroom dynamics...They portray Brian’s situation as a matter of groupthink that can be rebooted through small steps. It’s a smart strategy, one that can be leveraged through the book’s excellent discussion guide."
—Publishers Weekly

"Trudy Ludwig has given us the gift of another empathic, poignant book for children that addresses the complex topic of peer relationships...A must-read."
—Carrie Goldman, award-winning author of BULLIED: What Every Parent, Teacher, and Kid Needs to Know about Ending the Cycle of Fear

Guides

Classroom Activities for The Invisible Boy

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

Discussion Guide for The Invisible Boy

Provides questions, discussion topics, suggested reading lists, introductions and/or author Q&As, which are intended to enhance reading groups’ experiences.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)