"A powerful contemporary novel for readers of 11+ about slavery, friendship and standing up for what is right"
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.
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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
