Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
When 9yo JJ was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, a "monster" that only he could see, named Norm, became his companion. The more his disease was affecting him, the larger Norm would grow. Norm's purpose seemed to be to make JJ feel bad about himself. Norm would eat foods JJ couldn't and was loud and boisterous. Good thing he was invisible to everyone else. JJ was also an artist. From a young age, he would delight his friends with his skills, making trading cards of the principals and teachers. So JJ worries that his disease and Norm will keep him from becoming an animator.
Soren is an animator, so Invisible is also illustrated. It was a fun read, which surprised me, because even though JJ is in and out of the hospital and has to be careful about what he eats and can't do a lot of things other kids his age do, it's not a "poor me" book. JJ is resilient, his family grows through this as well, and Norm is extremely entertaining. JJ ages from 9-13 during the course of the story, so it's perfect for middle school. Might be a tough sell though, due to the subject matter, but what a great mirror. JJ is white.
Lisa Librarian
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment