Invisible Isabel
by Sally J Pla (Author) Tania de Regil (Illustrator)
From award-winning author Sally J. Pla comes an illustrated middle grade novel about introverted Isabel Beane, who learns to speak up to quiet her worries. This thoughtful, earnest story is perfect for fans of Elana K. Arnold and Leslie Connor.
Isabel Beane is a shy girl who lives in a home full of havoc and hubbub and hullabaloo. With five siblings, there is always too much too much-ness.
At school, there's a new girl who is immediately popular, but she's also not very nice to one person--Isabel.
Isabel has never felt more invisible. She begins to get bombarded by fears, like being abandoned by her classmates and taking the upcoming Extremely Important standardized test. Her fears feel like worry-moths that flutter in her belly. With every passing day, they seem to get stronger and stronger. How can Invisible Isabel make people listen?
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Publishers Weekly
"Small, quiet" Isabel Beane doesn't feel like she fits in. She tries her best to please others, even practicing smiling at home, "so people would know she was nice/ and good and friendly." Attempts to befriend classmate Monica result in a cruel dismissal and claims by Monica that Isabel is too different. She's further crushed upon learning that she's the only girl in class who's not invited to Monica's birthday party. Isabel's mother insists that she's "too sensitive" and must learn to speak up for herself. She struggles trying to meet her mother's expectations, make friends, and do well in school, contending with heartbreak and disappointment when her efforts don't net success, but unexpected events soon change everything for Isabel and force Monica to face the consequences of her actions. Sensorial verse alternates between Isabel's and Monica's POVs. Though Isabel's experiences are at times framed as learning opportunities for Monica, the challenges that she faces in navigating mounting anxieties are sensitively depicted in this touching story by Pla (The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn) that celebrates identity, friendship, and finding inner strength. An endnote offers "useful starting points, about anxiety and/or autism." Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8-12. Agent: Sara Crowe, Sara Crowe Literary. (July)
Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
ALA/Booklist
Pla balances Isabel's struggles with subtle yet lovely levels of humor and offers a thoughtful, sensitive depiction of anxiety and autism.
Kirkus
A compassionate insider's perspective of neurodivergence.
Review quotes
Heartfelt and accessible. A compassionate insider's perspective of neurodivergence. — Kirkus Reviews
Will help anyone with their own worry-moths know that they aren't alone. — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
JUV013000 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | General
JUV077000 - Juvenile Fiction | Neurodiversity
Self-confidence in children
Self-confidence
Families
Family life
Schools
Anxiety
Anxiety in children
School fiction
