By Alyssa Hollingsworth (author)
"A powerful contemporary novel for readers of 11+ about slavery, friendship and standing up for what is right"
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A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month September 2020
Cleverly blending an upbeat story of a girl who loves Superman comics and is determined to be a super sleuth in the style of Lois Lane and a contemporary story of a child being trafficked and held in slavery, The Invisible Boy is a fast-paced read with a strong message. When Nadia’s dog is rescued by a boy she has never seen in the neighbourhood before, she immediately labels him ‘The Invisible Boy’ and is determined to find out who he is.
Influenced by the comics she reads Nadia is used to making up dramas, often jumping to the wrong conclusions! How Nadia pieces together the real story of her new friend is a well-crafted drama. Nadia’s shock and horror is powerfully conveyed.
Twelve-year-old Nadia has discovered a new and dangerous secret: she is lonely. Then two things happen that change everything. She meets Eli, who she suspects may be a superhero, and she finds a strange letter under the dried juniper branches. The next day Nadia gathers her courage to take the letter to Eli. But something about Eli's family is very strange. Why doesn't he let her step close to the house? And is her new friend hiding his own secrets?
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From the author of the UKLA Book Award-winning The Eleventh Trade comes a second novel with a powerful modern message - for readers of 11+. The Invisible Boy addresses a serious topic through an engaging story, encouraging a conversation around a difficult and important subject. Alyssa wants to give children, parents and teachers a way to start a conversation around modern slavery and directions on what do if you suspect someone you know is in trouble.
Both a quest story and a friendship story, this book brings to life the traumatic reality refugee children experience in a world filled with borders and walls. - Kirkus Review
'A heartwarming story of life as a refugee, about friendship, overcoming tragedy, and an exciting quest. A classic book relevant to the events in the world today.' -- Jess Butterworth, author of Running on the Roof of the World
When we write stories about cultures other than our own, we listen to people with the life experience. Alyssa Hollingsworth has done more than that - she has lived alongside and befriended people who have shared their stories. I wasn't just introduced to Sami. I was introduced to a whole culture...Readers will cheer Sami on in his quest and cry with him when he shares his worst experiences. A true read for empathy and a great story of our times - Book Murmuration
This book is thoughtful and poignant, important without ever losing sight of hope ... It's so packed with themes and questions that would also make it a fantastic class book for schools ... It's an incredible debut, and I hope, a future children's classic - Phonetic Mangoes
I love this book. It is simply written but the genius of it comes in the topic and how it draws children (especially boys) into the story through commonality with the protagonist, and then transports them into a different world ... It's a fantastic choice for helping children who are stuck in rut to read more widely ... A story of survival, love and understanding. By the time I got to the middle, I couldn't put it down - Just Imagine
Vibrant characters and a lively narrative draw the reader straight into this story - Inis Reading Guide
Alyssa Hollingsworth is American and The Invisible Boy is her second novel. Her first novel, The Eleventh Trade was inspired by a trip she took to Afghanistan with an NGO to spend time with her sister and the Afghan people she works with. Alyssa wrote an award-winning essay about that experience and continues to work with refugees in the USA, helping them to adjust to their new lives. Alyssa is currently living in Bath where is she is taking a PhD in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University.
Of The Eleventh Trade , Alyssa says, "Sami's tale was inspired by the Afghans I met in Afghanistan, my older sister's nine years of NGO work in-country, and by the attack at the American charity Roots of Peace in March 2014. Unlike Sami's parents, my sister made it out alive. But I can never forget what it felt like to see a picture of the bombed-out house, printed in Time magazine. The Eleventh Trade is an attempt to give voice to the victims of war who continue to struggle with hope and healing even after they are 'safe'."
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It is very well written and will really appeal to the adventure lovers but also those many children who do not enjoy descriptive or reflective stories.
Initially I thought this book was a good transition between a comic strip and a novel, but the more I read the more I realised there was so much more to it.... Read Full Review
The perfect choice for a reading group, ‘The Invisible Boy’ is an excellent read with a strong message.
Being an expert on the subject of superheroes, Nadia believes she has found one living on her street- the Invisible Boy. As a reporter-in-training, she is determined to get the scoop on the story and track him down whilst avoiding her arch-nemesis, Paddle Boy. However, things are not as they seemed and not only does Paddle Boy (aka Kenny) turn out to be not quite as bad as Nadia believed, there is something not quite right about Eli, the Invisible Boy.
Powerful and moving, this is essential reading. Alyssa Hollingsworth skilfully interweaves the story of a lonely girl with the horrific reality of human trafficking happening in the here and now.
Nadia’s over-active imagination and love for comics and superheroes coupled with frequent moves with her military family mean that she has problems keeping friends and relating to others.... Read Full Review
This story is so eye opening and deep with many twists and turns, an amazing book.
I really enjoyed reading The Invisible Boy . When I was only a few pages in I was already fully engrossed, you had hooked me! I could barely put the book down. It had so many twists and turns, it was almost like a mystery. I was constantly trying to figure out what could be wrong with Eli, but I was never expecting the twist they gave me.
Not only was this book exciting, but it made me feel empathy for the characters, as if I was one of their friends in the story with them!... Read Full Review
Twelve-year-old Nadia has discovered a new and dangerous secret: she is lonely. Then two things happen that change everything.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed The Invisible Boy and determined it is suitable for children aged 11-14 years old
The Invisible Boy features in the following genres: Adventure Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Stories about Family and Friends, Featured Books for 13+ readers, Recommendations, Gritty Reads, Julia Eccleshare's Picks of the Month, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Books Reviewed by our Reader Review Panels, Featured Books for 11+ readers
Paperback, Hardback. £6.29, down from the £6.99 cover price. In Stock.
The Invisible Boy was written by Alyssa Hollingsworth and published by Piccadilly Press
The Invisible Boy has 309 pages
£6.29, reduced from £6.99. In Stock.
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