The Invisible Boy - by Trudy Ludwig (Hardcover)

About the Book

Brian has always felt invisible at school, but when a new student, Justin, arrives, everything changes. From esteemed author and speaker Ludwig and acclaimed illustrator Barton, this gentle story shows how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish. Full color.

Book Synopsis

A gentle story that teaches how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish, from esteemed author and speaker Trudy Ludwig and acclaimed illustrator Patrice Barton.

A simple act of kindness can transform an invisible boy into a friend...

Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody in class 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.

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 a discussion guide and resources for further reading.

Review Quotes

"A lovely lesson in the simple acts of friendship, especially recommended for the most popular kids in class." --USA Today

"This is a simple yet heartfelt story." --School Library Journal, starred review

"Tender illustrations rendered in glowing hues capture Brian's isolation deftly...Accessible, reassuring and hopeful." --Kirkus Reviews

"Ludwig and Barton understand classroom dynamics...They portray Brian's situation as a matter of groupthink that can be rebooted through small steps. It's a smart strategy, one that can be leveraged through the book's excellent discussion guide."
--Publishers Weekly

"Trudy Ludwig has given us the gift of another empathic, poignant book for children that addresses the complex topic of peer relationships...A must-read."
--Carrie Goldman, award-winning author of BULLIED: What Every Parent, Teacher, and Kid Needs to Know about Ending the Cycle of Fear

About the Author

TRUDY LUDWIG is a nationally acclaimed speaker and an award-winning author who specializes in writing children's books that help kids cope with and thrive in their social world, including My Secret Bully and Confessions of a Former Bully. She has received rave reviews from educators, experts, organizations, and parents at schools and conferences around the US for her passion and compassion in addressing peer aggression and friendship issues. An active member of the International Bullying Prevention Association, Trudy also collaborates with organizations like the Committee for Children and ConnectSafely.org, and has served as content advisor for Sesame Street Workshop. Trudy's books have won the Mom's Choice Gold Award, the IBPA Gold Benjamin Franklin Award, and the NAPPA Gold Medal, and also been recognized as NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Books for Young People. Visit her at trudyludwig.com.

PATRICE BARTON earned a BFA in studio art from the University of Texas in Austin, where she lives with her husband and son. Her books include Sweet Moon Baby written by Karen Henry Clark; Mine! by Shutta Crum; I Like Old Clothes by Mary Ann Hoberman and Rosie Sprout's Time to Shine by Allison Wortche--all available from Knopf.