Trudy Ludwig

Brian feels invisible in Mrs. Carlotti's class. Overlooked by his teacher, who pays more attention to the louder children, left out at lunchtime by his peers, and ignored when it comes time to choose players for the kickball teams, he quietly waits and hopes that someone will notice him. Then one day a boy named Justin comes to school, and Brian's act of kindness, after he observes the other children ridiculing the new pupil's Korean lunch, opens up a world of friendship - of being visible - show more to him...

An engaging and thought-provoking story is paired here with expressive illustrations that perfectly embody the themes explored in the narrative, making The Invisible Boy a truly successful picture-book on all fronts. I found the story quite moving, and thought author Trudy Ludwig really captured the poignancy of the experiences of many quieter children, who, like Brian, patiently wait to be noticed. The happy conclusion to the tale felt natural, rather than forced, and the discussion questions at the rear make it plain that the hope is that story will be used to help children explore issues of social inclusion, and work out their own happy endings. The artwork, done first in pencil and then colored digitally, really works well with the text, depicting Brian in a faded, colorless way at first, symbolizing his figurative invisibility in his classroom, and then moving to a more colorful, filled-in look, as he gains more social interaction through his friendship with Justin. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories that address issues of bullying, kindness, social inclusion, and cross-community friendship. show less

I really enjoyed reading this book. It shows how Brian, the invisible boy, is unseen by everyone in his classroom including his teacher. Despite feeling this way, Brain finds the time and love to encourage the new student, Justin, who is made fun of. The illustrations in the book send home the message of how Brain feels, as everybody is in color while he is drawn in black and white. Even though he is in black and white, his own pictures are in color as that is when he feels most alive. I show more like this book because of the different perspectives it gives. This book shows many ways that Brian is overlooked, whether it's a loud student, or a needy one. It also shows how students can shun others because of their shyness or differences, such as with Justin. As a student who was very shy growing up, I can relate to how Brian feels and how happy he is when Justin returns the kindness and friendship. I loved how Brian's skill and love of drawing are finally realized by others in the class after Justin includes him in his group. The big message of this book is that everybody has something different to bring to the table, but they should always be included. show less

It looks like we're starting the new year with thinking about hope and compassion - not a bad combination.

Trudy Ludwig writes the only "issue" picture books that I really want in my library. She has written books about gossiping, bullies, show-offs, and perfectionism. Her books are written simply enough to appeal to young children but tackle the issues in a realistic way. She never stereotypes or offers simplistic solutions to complex problems. Her latest book deals with an introverted child show more who is, well, invisible.

We're introduced to Brian, the invisible boy, as a small gray character. His teacher is taken up with the boisterous Nathan and the whiny Sophie and all the other kids in her class. Nathan isn't any trouble, he's quiet, he does his work...and he's invisible. He's left out of games, parties, and events. He's just too quiet and the kids are used to ignoring him. But Brian is amazing at drawing and would like to be included - he just doesn't know how to get started.

When a new boy comes to school, Brian makes a few quiet overtures and Justin responds. Slowly, Brian gains color and life and becomes part of the school community with the help of Justin. Brian is still quiet, enjoys drawing, and doesn't suddenly become the class clown by the end of the story, but he is included and has finally made a friend or two.

The book ends with discussion questions and a list of resources both for adults and for kids. Patrice Barton's soft, glowing colors are the perfect background for this simple story and her powerful images of Brian slowly brightening from the invisible, gray child to a happy, colorful kid will hopefully influence children just as strongly as the story itself. I liked that Ludwig didn't blame anyone - the teacher is busy with the more demanding children, the other kids have all formed their own friends and cliques and don't stop to think to include Brian, and Brian himself doesn't know how to explain that he wants to be included. Change happens when Brian gets the courage to make a friendly gesture and Justin takes the time to include Brian in his new friendships.

Verdict: I'll be putting this in my parenting section (books for parents to read with their children about various issues) and recommending it to teachers to use in their classrooms. It's a great way to get kids to pause and think a little about including other kids rather than demanding that teachers try to force friendships. It's also a gentle way to remind introverted kids that taking that first step to offer friendship can be the key to becoming a friend.

ISBN: 9781582464503; Published 2013 by Random House; Review copy provided by the publisher; Added to the library show less

Truthfully. Has there ever been a kid in existence that hasn't felt excluded at some point? Feeling like a Brian is SO relatable. I think the extent of feeling invisible is different for everyone, but haven't we all felt invisible to someone at some point? For me, "The Invisible Boy" brings me to back to growing up as the youngest in a loud and lively family. Hard to get a word in, often times I would just remain quiet because it was easier than fighting to literally have my voice heard. show more Being invisible in the crowd of my energetic family definitely became an insecurity of mine. And I think everyone has their own story that would help them to feel how Brian feels and the lonely place he is in.
Luckily, Brian has something special to him which allows him to connect to another student which breaks this wall of isolation. Brian LOVES to draw and when he notices other classmates laughing at the new student, he draws him a picture affirming him. I love the lessons this teaches- 1)art is an amazing way for people to express themselves and connect to others. 2) An act of intentional kindness goes a long way. It can make someones day, make someone feel noticed, give them love, or in this case spark a beautiful friendship.
This book is directed towards early elementary, but I think I could use it in middle school too since it has the themes of friendship and inclusion. show less