How to Stay Invisible

Raymond's parents are not the greatest, but he never imagined that they would leave town without him. When he arrives home after school one evening to find the trailer locked and his dog, Rosie, tied up outside, he realizes that he and Rosie are on their own. In the woods behind the middle school, he finds a hollow log for shelter and, over time, builds up a campsite where he and Rosie can survive. He keeps attending school, where he can get breakfast and lunch, and between fishing, trapping, and dumpster-diving, manages to find enough food for himself and Rosie. But it's getting colder in the woods -- and it's getting harder to keep his secrets from friends and teachers at school. How long can he make it on his own?

As a kid, I enjoyed show more books like My Side of the Mountain, and would probably have been equally intrigued by Raymond's adventures (with a dog, no less!). As an adult reader, I was so stressed out the whole time I was reading, and even when I put the book down I still felt anxious. So, the writing is good and it kept me on the edge of my seat, is the positive way to look at this! If you like survival stories, this one is recommended. Spoiler for animal lovers: The dog is injured at one point, but does not die. Another animal does die near the end, though that death is only briefly described and not given full weight.

One quibble with the survival details: Do not use river rocks to make a fire ring! Stones that have been in water can have water molecules trapped inside them, and when those molecules are heated (like, by your campfire), they can explode. show less

*spoiler alert*

Really great read -- like an updated Hatchet. I wish this didn't feel so true to life, but it feels mostly very believable. I like that Raymond is able to learn to trust -- has started to build a support network of his own.

I really hated the ending. I feel like the snakebite was a mechanism to not have to deal with a confrontation. I also am firmly in the No More Dead Dogs camp, so I feel utterly betrayed at the death of Hank. Why was he even in the story? I get that this might be how it feels to suddenly be removed from a situation by the state without anyone consulting you, but it just sort of felt like a weird neat non-coyote package.

Anyway, lots to think about in this one, and I think it will have very high appeal show more for middle grade readers. show less

Sensitive, realistic portrayal of child abandonment and homelessness. Rudd doesn't pull any punches but is compassionate to her protagonist and reveals his feelings believably. Rich and meaningful. Will bring awareness to school personnel and others to be on the alert for children who try to stay invisible and to persevere in offering the right kind of help.