Invisible (edición con contenido adicional)

Starred review from March 1, 2023

Gr 6 Up-A boy lies in a hospital bed as he heals from his injuries, unable to clearly remember what has brought him there, feeling the hand of his mother on his leg and arm. As days pass, the memories come back, but he is hesitant to tell his mother, father, or psychologist what has happened. In short, fast-paced chapters, the events are revealed by way of the boy in the hospital, his friends who wrestle with their inner conflicts, and the bully who made his life miserable. Through flashbacks, readers witness as his bullying becomes an everyday event that makes other students laugh, as teachers look away and pretend it is not a big deal. The boy descends into sadness and longs to become invisible. But he also has the love of his little sister and the attention of a teacher who recognizes what is happening. This story takes a close look at bullying and at what happens when people choose to look away, with heartbreaking descriptions of what it feels like to be weighed down and start to lose hope. The varying perspectives provide insight into the thoughts of the boy's friends, teachers, parents, and the bully. The short chapters in this Spanish-language novel are eloquently written and are sure to give readers pause as they finally discover the truth. VERDICT This impactful novel provides an up-close look at bullying and its consequences, and is a must-have for upper middle grade and young adult Spanish-language collections.-Selenia Paz

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