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The Invisible Boy
A simple act of kindness can transform an invisible boy into a friend…
Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party... until, that is, a new kid comes to class.
When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.
From esteemed author and speaker Trudy Ludwig and acclaimed illustrator Patrice Barton, this gentle story shows how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish. Any parent, teacher, or counselor looking for material that sensitively addresses the needs of quieter children will find The Invisible Boy a valuable and important resource.
Includes backmatter with discussion questions and resources for further reading.
Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party... until, that is, a new kid comes to class.
When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.
From esteemed author and speaker Trudy Ludwig and acclaimed illustrator Patrice Barton, this gentle story shows how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish. Any parent, teacher, or counselor looking for material that sensitively addresses the needs of quieter children will find The Invisible Boy a valuable and important resource.
Includes backmatter with discussion questions and resources for further reading.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 8, 2013
140 people are currently reading
4,508 people want to read
About the author
Trudy Ludwig
16 books114 followersTrudy Ludwig is a nationally acclaimed speaker and an award-winning author who specializes in writing children's books that help kids connect and engage with their peers in kind, caring ways. She has received rave reviews from educators, experts, organizations, and parents for her passion and compassion in addressing friendship, bullying, and cyberbullying issues at schools and conferences around the country.
An active member of the International Bullying Prevention Association, Trudy collaborates with leading US experts and organizations and has been profiled on national/regional media outlets. She has also served as content advisor for Sesame Workshop's "Good Birds Club" TV episode and as an expert panel member on Sesame Workshop's video series on bullying.
Trudy's books have won the Victoria Soto Legacy Award, NAPPA Gold Award, Mom's Choice Gold Awards, the Moonbeam Children's Books Gold Award and are included in Kids'Indie Next Selection,the Cooperative Children's Book Center's Best of the Year Selection,and NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Books for Young People Selection. the Junior Library Guild Selection, the School Library Journal Best Picture Books Selection, and more.
For more information or to book Trudy for a speaking engagement, visit www.trudyludwig.com
An active member of the International Bullying Prevention Association, Trudy collaborates with leading US experts and organizations and has been profiled on national/regional media outlets. She has also served as content advisor for Sesame Workshop's "Good Birds Club" TV episode and as an expert panel member on Sesame Workshop's video series on bullying.
Trudy's books have won the Victoria Soto Legacy Award, NAPPA Gold Award, Mom's Choice Gold Awards, the Moonbeam Children's Books Gold Award and are included in Kids'Indie Next Selection,the Cooperative Children's Book Center's Best of the Year Selection,and NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Books for Young People Selection. the Junior Library Guild Selection, the School Library Journal Best Picture Books Selection, and more.
For more information or to book Trudy for a speaking engagement, visit www.trudyludwig.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,200 reviews
March 11, 2021
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig is a story about Brian, a boy who seems to go unnoticeable by anyone in his class. Something's about to change in his classroom, and Brian finds a way to stand out. It's a great story with very artsy illustrations and a wonderful message.
This is an excellent book that I'd recommend for any elementary classroom. It's great for parents and teachers.
4****
This is an excellent book that I'd recommend for any elementary classroom. It's great for parents and teachers.
4****
August 3, 2016
Have you ever felt left out? Alone in a roomful of people?
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig introduces us to Brian. A sweet-hearted boy who feels invisible. In a class room swimming with kids, how does a quiet boy more apt to communicate with drawings and art stand out, find friends, and not get lost in the hustle, bustle and noise?
One act. One chance. One word can change everything. Brian reaches out with kindness to Justin, the new kid in class. Just leaving a note saying “Hi” in his own special way opens up Brian’s world. Someone sees him.
Patrice Barton’s soft colors and pictures bring such a light, gentle glow to the story. Every pink cheek, ponytail, and freckle came to life on the page with warmth and tenderness. Beautiful pictures that illustrated Brian’s feelings and changes perfectly. My heart broke and “aww”-ed all over the place. :)
This little boy and book stole my heart! I want to recommend it to everyone under the sun! A very special reading experience and life lesson. Don't disappear! Let people see you.
A lesson I took to heart.
September 28, 2023
It's one of the best children's books ever! Even I as an adult can totally relate with the main character. Brian feels isolated, lonely and feels invisible in class. He's a loner who enjoys what he does: good at drawing and having lots of stories in his head. He really struggles when it comes to team work and really cannot get along with the rest of the kids. The other kids are just outspoken and do not hesitate to make fun of him or the new kid. This new kid accepts Brian as he is and Brian has to change his perspectives on how to be with others. To be a friend, he has to be a friend and actually make an effort to participate in team activities. The story seems so real. The illustration is subtle yet amazing. But the story ended too soon.
October 20, 2024
کاش هیچوقت هیچکی سیاهسفید نمونه و رنگ بگیره...
December 7, 2017
Good book for kids
May 16, 2020
A great book to read to young children - makes them think!
July 1, 2018
This book truly struck a chord with me. I loved both the writing and the illustrations, which told the story so beautifully. My heart broke for Brian as he experienced the lonely and isolating feeling of being "invisible" to others. The story ends well, however, it's a great reminder to reach out to individuals of all ages who may otherwise remain on the sidelines, and not experience the camaraderie and warmth of friendship, and benefits of belonging in a community. I know some individuals may prefer their own company, however, I also know that we all need to have the sense that someone cares about us, and we need to be "heard" every once in a while.
Read
March 14, 2020In the end, all that matters is maybe just kindness...
P.S.
With special thanks to Ajdala who showed me a new world of books; love you to the bookstore & back :((( 💚🐉
P.S.
With special thanks to Ajdala who showed me a new world of books; love you to the bookstore & back :((( 💚🐉
March 9, 2022
precious ;-;
one spread captured a feeling I've had since I was small so perfectly it ached
one spread captured a feeling I've had since I was small so perfectly it ached
December 13, 2019
Brian feels invisible in Mrs. Carlotti's class. Overlooked by his teacher, who pays more attention to the louder children, left out at lunchtime by his peers, and ignored when it comes time to choose players for the kickball teams, he quietly waits and hopes that someone will notice him. Then one day a boy named Justin comes to school, and Brian's act of kindness, after he observes the other children ridiculing the new pupil's Korean lunch, opens up a world of friendship - of being visible - to him...
An engaging and thought-provoking story is paired here with expressive illustrations that perfectly embody the themes explored in the narrative, making The Invisible Boy a truly successful picture-book on all fronts. I found the story quite moving, and thought author Trudy Ludwig really captured the poignancy of the experiences of many quieter children, who, like Brian, patiently wait to be noticed. The happy conclusion to the tale felt natural, rather than forced, and the discussion questions at the rear make it plain that the hope is that story will be used to help children explore issues of social inclusion, and work out their own happy endings. The artwork, done first in pencil and then colored digitally, really works well with the text, depicting Brian in a faded, colorless way at first, symbolizing his figurative invisibility in his classroom, and then moving to a more colorful, filled-in look, as he gains more social interaction through his friendship with Justin. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories that address issues of bullying, kindness, social inclusion, and cross-community friendship.
An engaging and thought-provoking story is paired here with expressive illustrations that perfectly embody the themes explored in the narrative, making The Invisible Boy a truly successful picture-book on all fronts. I found the story quite moving, and thought author Trudy Ludwig really captured the poignancy of the experiences of many quieter children, who, like Brian, patiently wait to be noticed. The happy conclusion to the tale felt natural, rather than forced, and the discussion questions at the rear make it plain that the hope is that story will be used to help children explore issues of social inclusion, and work out their own happy endings. The artwork, done first in pencil and then colored digitally, really works well with the text, depicting Brian in a faded, colorless way at first, symbolizing his figurative invisibility in his classroom, and then moving to a more colorful, filled-in look, as he gains more social interaction through his friendship with Justin. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories that address issues of bullying, kindness, social inclusion, and cross-community friendship.
January 25, 2025
A book about being the quiet student that blends into the background. Not because you don't count, but because other students in the room make themselves known.
Brian likes to draw and so when others don't include him, he goes to his safe space and sketches. It isn't until another classmate makes note of his talent and draws (pun intended)Brian into the conversation.
A lovely book with a beautiful lesson to teachers and parents alike: being quiet doesn't mean you don't have something to share.
Brian likes to draw and so when others don't include him, he goes to his safe space and sketches. It isn't until another classmate makes note of his talent and draws (pun intended)Brian into the conversation.
A lovely book with a beautiful lesson to teachers and parents alike: being quiet doesn't mean you don't have something to share.
August 11, 2018
"داستانی که با دل و جان نوشته شده. پسر نامرئی قدرت مهربانی را نشان می دهد و بر دلسوزی و شفقت تاکید دارد."
میا دوکز
میا دوکز
November 28, 2020
This is a cute little story about friendship and kindness.
Brian is invisible. The other kids in the class don't seem to see him. He's excluded from everything and is always picked last. He's a quiet kid who keeps to himself, and so is often overlooked. One day, a new student shows up. The other kids make fun of his lunch. Brian leaves a supportive note in Justin's cubby, and the seeds of a new friendship are planted.
This book could be the start of some interesting discussions and, in fact, there are some questions at the back to help you get started. I don't know if I'm really a fan of those, as some of them seemed to imply that the kids were being cruel on purpose. (Given the age at which the kids are depicted, the incidents in question were more likely thoughtless rather than intentionally malicious.)
I like the way Brian is drawn in black and white most of the time, with colour starting to creep in whenever someone "sees" him. And the illustrations are pretty cute in general. They're my favourite part of the book.
Those looking for books about inclusion, thoughtfulness, and kindness will probably find something to like here. It's nice to see a book that doesn't go straight for the bullying angle; there are subtler ways that kids can hurt each other, even unintentionally, and this book addresses some of them in a sensitive way.
Quotable moment:
Brian is invisible. The other kids in the class don't seem to see him. He's excluded from everything and is always picked last. He's a quiet kid who keeps to himself, and so is often overlooked. One day, a new student shows up. The other kids make fun of his lunch. Brian leaves a supportive note in Justin's cubby, and the seeds of a new friendship are planted.
This book could be the start of some interesting discussions and, in fact, there are some questions at the back to help you get started. I don't know if I'm really a fan of those, as some of them seemed to imply that the kids were being cruel on purpose. (Given the age at which the kids are depicted, the incidents in question were more likely thoughtless rather than intentionally malicious.)
I like the way Brian is drawn in black and white most of the time, with colour starting to creep in whenever someone "sees" him. And the illustrations are pretty cute in general. They're my favourite part of the book.
Those looking for books about inclusion, thoughtfulness, and kindness will probably find something to like here. It's nice to see a book that doesn't go straight for the bullying angle; there are subtler ways that kids can hurt each other, even unintentionally, and this book addresses some of them in a sensitive way.
Quotable moment:
At morning recess, Brian finds a piece of chalk on the ground and starts drawing away.
December 6, 2019
Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfer...
Brian feels invisible in his classroom. No one seems to pay any attention to him until the new boy, Justin arrives and things begin to change.
I used this book in a lesson plan for bullying during teacher's college. It has a beautiful message and is a great resource to explore social lessons on kindness and inclusion and can foster great discussions with your class. I loved the illustrations and strategic use of colour through out and the message that sends to the reader.
Brian feels invisible in his classroom. No one seems to pay any attention to him until the new boy, Justin arrives and things begin to change.
I used this book in a lesson plan for bullying during teacher's college. It has a beautiful message and is a great resource to explore social lessons on kindness and inclusion and can foster great discussions with your class. I loved the illustrations and strategic use of colour through out and the message that sends to the reader.
September 1, 2013
I would recommend this book to any classes at the elementary level. It is a wonderful reminder for students about how it feels to be left out and how they can include others. It is also a great reminder for teachers to pay attention to ALL children. The pictures are very well done. I like how Brian is drawn in black and white at first. A terrific story!
May 10, 2016
This was such a sweet book! It would be great to use for a teaching moment if someone is being left out, or is leaving someone out.
May 15, 2020
Used in latest Grandma Reads Zoom session.
Many Littles find starting in a new already established group a daunting and difficult challenge. They feel invisible. Bigs, too, for that matter. This sweet story shows how easy it is to turn things around. All it takes is one or two kind hearts to reach out and welcome the new one and stand by as they acclimatize themselves to the group. Always a good message to those reading and those who listen.
4 stars (reaching out with smiles).
Many Littles find starting in a new already established group a daunting and difficult challenge. They feel invisible. Bigs, too, for that matter. This sweet story shows how easy it is to turn things around. All it takes is one or two kind hearts to reach out and welcome the new one and stand by as they acclimatize themselves to the group. Always a good message to those reading and those who listen.
4 stars (reaching out with smiles).
April 18, 2017
A lovely tale of a boy who feels invisible.
February 24, 2021
Une histoire parfaite sur l’acceptation des autres et l’inclusion
March 1, 2025
This is exactly what it's like to be a shy child in school! Awesome illustrations!
December 27, 2016
I almost cried reading this book with one of my nieces and my nephew.
Brian is smart, talented, and kind. He's also invisible to his classmates, who live in a much louder world. Brian spends his Choosing Time drawing fantastical pictures of dragons, space aliens, pirates, and superheroes. His pictures illustrate Brian's unique sense of humor along with his kindness.
His dragon lives at the top of a skyscraper. When residents hold out marshmallows, the dragon will toast them! When I asked the kids if they would like a dragon on top of their house for roasting marshmallows, we all got excited. S'mores every night!
A new students named Justin arrives. The other kids are leery of him, but Brian gives him a big welcoming smile. At lunch one of the boys makes fun of Justin's Bulgogi, Korean barbecued beef. Brian makes sure to give Justin a special illustrated letter telling Justin that he thought the Bulgogi looked good.
Justin starts to fit in with the other kids, but he doesn't forget Brian's kindness. For a group project involving pairs or triads, Justin invites Brian to join him and another student. By working together, the three boys see each other's strengths. And all three boys become friends.
In the beginning of the story, Brian is gray. He's in the classroom and on the playground, but no one sees him. As Justin's kind gestures include a Brian more and more in the story, the Brian illustrations slowly take on color.
If you're looking for a book about kindness, particularly one that involves an introverted child, then this book is it. Brian is the sweetest little guy who considers others' feelings. Loved this story!
Brian is smart, talented, and kind. He's also invisible to his classmates, who live in a much louder world. Brian spends his Choosing Time drawing fantastical pictures of dragons, space aliens, pirates, and superheroes. His pictures illustrate Brian's unique sense of humor along with his kindness.
His dragon lives at the top of a skyscraper. When residents hold out marshmallows, the dragon will toast them! When I asked the kids if they would like a dragon on top of their house for roasting marshmallows, we all got excited. S'mores every night!
A new students named Justin arrives. The other kids are leery of him, but Brian gives him a big welcoming smile. At lunch one of the boys makes fun of Justin's Bulgogi, Korean barbecued beef. Brian makes sure to give Justin a special illustrated letter telling Justin that he thought the Bulgogi looked good.
Justin starts to fit in with the other kids, but he doesn't forget Brian's kindness. For a group project involving pairs or triads, Justin invites Brian to join him and another student. By working together, the three boys see each other's strengths. And all three boys become friends.
In the beginning of the story, Brian is gray. He's in the classroom and on the playground, but no one sees him. As Justin's kind gestures include a Brian more and more in the story, the Brian illustrations slowly take on color.
If you're looking for a book about kindness, particularly one that involves an introverted child, then this book is it. Brian is the sweetest little guy who considers others' feelings. Loved this story!
October 6, 2013
I definitely liked this picture book. It deals with the question: which is worse--being laughed at or feeling invisible?
Brian, our young hero, is the invisible boy. He's friendless. This is noticeable even in the classroom, but especially so in the lunchroom and at recess. But when a new student comes, Brian reaches out to him--via note, I might add--and soon Brian begins to lose his invisibility. It starts with the new kid, Justin, but soon expands to include others. It has a happy ending that may seem sudden and a bit too good to be true. But it makes for a satisfying conclusion. I liked Brian and Justin. I liked the fact that Brian had strengths, that he definitely was worth knowing and worth noticing.
The book is intentional. It is packed with social lessons. It is inviting the visible and invisible kids to think about their actions, their words, their choices. None of the children are "bad" children; some are thoughtless and impulsive, but nobody is vilified into a BULLY, which I thought was a good thing. The focus is on the little things. The little things that are more accidentally thoughtless than purposefully: I'm out to HURT you.
Brian, our young hero, is the invisible boy. He's friendless. This is noticeable even in the classroom, but especially so in the lunchroom and at recess. But when a new student comes, Brian reaches out to him--via note, I might add--and soon Brian begins to lose his invisibility. It starts with the new kid, Justin, but soon expands to include others. It has a happy ending that may seem sudden and a bit too good to be true. But it makes for a satisfying conclusion. I liked Brian and Justin. I liked the fact that Brian had strengths, that he definitely was worth knowing and worth noticing.
The book is intentional. It is packed with social lessons. It is inviting the visible and invisible kids to think about their actions, their words, their choices. None of the children are "bad" children; some are thoughtless and impulsive, but nobody is vilified into a BULLY, which I thought was a good thing. The focus is on the little things. The little things that are more accidentally thoughtless than purposefully: I'm out to HURT you.
November 23, 2013
Brian feels invisible to his teacher and friends at school. He is with them, but not really. What child has not felt invisible at some time in school. Trudy Ludwig masterfully tells a heartfelt story about a boy who wants to belong, but is ignored by others. Even his teacher doesn’t pay a lot of attention to Brian because she has to deal with other high-maintenance children in the classroom. Brian is kind-hearted and finds his own way to make a friend and gain the acceptance of the other students. Ludwig’s book is an excellent resource for any parent or teacher looking for material that addresses shy and quiet students. It is isn’t preachy and Brian solves his own problem. Patrice Barton’s artwork is creative and perfect for the book. The cover is in muted pastels which sets the tone for the story. In the beginning pages, Brian is a black and white sketch, while the classroom is shown in full color. When Justin befriends Brian, a little color begins to appear. As Brian asserts himself in the class project he is revealed in full color. This a great collaborative effort between Ludwig and Barton.
August 16, 2016
This book - wow! Just wow! This is the first review I'm writing on Goodreads because it was truly TOO good not to share! I picked this up at the library but now I'm thinking I will have to purchase it to add it to my shelf! What a powerful message about feeling left out for kids of all ages- and adults, too! Loved the reminder that we all have a special gift or talent to bring to others.
February 5, 2020
As someone who often felt invisible as a kid and loves to draw, this book warmed my heart so much! Loved it!
April 22, 2017
This is a wonderfully written and illustrated book for all children and any classroom. I love the message!
Brian is "The Invisible Boy." He feels this way in his classroom with his peers and teacher alike. There are other kids who are loud - they use their "outdoor voice inside," or require much more attention from the teacher. Brian enjoys school, loves art, and doing as he should. He's not overly outgoing, so his peers often pay attention to others before him. He feels alone and invisible.
The illustrations at the beginning help convey his feelings to the reader too. They're beautifully done, and allow for conversations as much as the content of the story. The story begins to shift when Justin, a new student, arrives. Justin is new and noticed, but also different. It raises a question for Brian and the audience alike - "Is it worse to be invisible or laughed at?" Nevertheless, Justin notices Brian - he's not invisible to him. The two find an acceptance in each other and in the end, it's all they're looking for. Most young students are looking for the same thing. Students relate to the two lead characters in this - who hasn't at least felt like one of them at some point?
This is a fantastic story to have handy in a classroom. It's also just a feel-good story for anyone looking to spend a few minutes with a book and end it with a smile!
Brian is "The Invisible Boy." He feels this way in his classroom with his peers and teacher alike. There are other kids who are loud - they use their "outdoor voice inside," or require much more attention from the teacher. Brian enjoys school, loves art, and doing as he should. He's not overly outgoing, so his peers often pay attention to others before him. He feels alone and invisible.
The illustrations at the beginning help convey his feelings to the reader too. They're beautifully done, and allow for conversations as much as the content of the story. The story begins to shift when Justin, a new student, arrives. Justin is new and noticed, but also different. It raises a question for Brian and the audience alike - "Is it worse to be invisible or laughed at?" Nevertheless, Justin notices Brian - he's not invisible to him. The two find an acceptance in each other and in the end, it's all they're looking for. Most young students are looking for the same thing. Students relate to the two lead characters in this - who hasn't at least felt like one of them at some point?
This is a fantastic story to have handy in a classroom. It's also just a feel-good story for anyone looking to spend a few minutes with a book and end it with a smile!
June 16, 2022
Patrice Barton's illustrations really stood out for me -- they so perfectly captured the natures and personalities (individual and as a class) of young children in the Kindergarten through Second Grade range -- from body language to facial expressions to group dynamics to clothing -- as well as subtle details of the contemporary classroom and school physical environment. The author, Trudy Ludwig, is actively involved in the International Bullying Prevention Association and a "sought after speaker" according to the author bio on the back flap. The story shows several ways that children may (sometimes thoughtlessly) exclude others or make them feel "invisible" and offers several easy and natural ways to make friends, both for children who are excluded and for children who want to bring excluded children into the circle of friendship. At the end, a teacher's guide offers useful class discussion questions.
September 24, 2018
Brian is not like everyone else. He doesn't stand out and is often overlooked, even by his teacher. But, Brian has a wonderful imagination and a talent for drawing, if only he would get noticed. When a new student comes to Brian's class, things begin to change. Everyone learns that how we treat each other has an impact on all of us. Teachers have recognized the importance of this book by choosing it as the 2013 SLJ (School Library Journal)best book, and the 2014 IRA, Teacher's Choice for primary readers.
This book uses varying methods to tell the story. While a majority of the book is told through the author's text and the illustrator's images, the main character's own illustrations and speech bubbles are interspersed to display his creativity and emotional responses as the story unfolds. Even adults will relate to the sadness of being left out of activities and may trigger emotional responses to past situations. This could offer teachers an opportunity to encourage young readers and writers to examine and reflect on their own experiences through cartoon drawings and comic style speech bubble text. The Invisible Boy can be used, not only as a entry into a literacy lesson, but to reinforce the importance of kindness and compassion. Whether including a new student, a child who doesn't speak the dominant language, a student with special needs, or just someone who seems different in some way, this book is applicable. What a beautiful illustration of a cross-curricular text.
This book uses varying methods to tell the story. While a majority of the book is told through the author's text and the illustrator's images, the main character's own illustrations and speech bubbles are interspersed to display his creativity and emotional responses as the story unfolds. Even adults will relate to the sadness of being left out of activities and may trigger emotional responses to past situations. This could offer teachers an opportunity to encourage young readers and writers to examine and reflect on their own experiences through cartoon drawings and comic style speech bubble text. The Invisible Boy can be used, not only as a entry into a literacy lesson, but to reinforce the importance of kindness and compassion. Whether including a new student, a child who doesn't speak the dominant language, a student with special needs, or just someone who seems different in some way, this book is applicable. What a beautiful illustration of a cross-curricular text.
January 26, 2018
Loved this short picture book I used as a read-aloud in my classroom - about a boy who feels invisible to his teacher and classmates, and meets a new boy to the school who gets laughed at, causing him to wonder, "Is it worse to be laughed at or invisible?" Led to some great discussion about inclusion, making sure no one is left out or unnoticed, and the gifts that each of us bring.
June 11, 2020
Trouvé et lu en français sur le bureau d’une collègue que je remplaçais aujourd’hui. Un livre charmant, tout en douceur, qui touche autant à la timidité et les introverties, qu’au rejet social. Très touchant et portant à réfléchir. Un livre qui peut définitivement servir pour démarrer une discussion et une réflexion avec des enfants. J’ai bien aimé!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,200 reviews