Things Not Seen

Things Not Seen. By Andrew Clements. Philomel, 2002. 272 pages. Tr. $16.99 ISBN 978-0399236266

Summary: After stepping out of the shower one morning, Bobby looks into the mirror and notices that he has vanished. As an “invisible person” Bobby thinks about how people will perceive his invisibility, and decides that activities such as going to school, playing sports, and connecting with friends are no longer in the range of possible choices. Even Bobby’s psychiatrist is unsure of what caused his patient to become invisible and his parents are also uncertain about how to make their son visible again. Tired of staying at home and desirous of human company, Bobby ventures out to the library and soon becomes friends with Alicia, a blind girl. With the help of Alicia, will Bobby be able to become visible again?

Critical Review: The invisible theme to Bobby’s story draws from Hebrews 1:11. Through the loving friendship of Alicia, Bobby learns the power of looking beyond physical appearances of others. We have all felt invisible at one point or anther, and developing a strong internal-support system is essential. It is internal qualities that are important.

Genre: Science Fiction

Reading/Interest Level: 10-14 years

Awards: Colorado Children's Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2004
Beehive Young Adults' Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2004
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2005
California Young Reader Medal (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2005
Grand Canyon Reader Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2004
Young Hoosier Book Award (WON AWARD) 2005
Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2004
Sunshine State Young Reader's Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2004
Iowa Teen Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2005
Golden Sower Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2005
SCASL Book Award (South Carolina) (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2005
Volunteer State Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2005
Land of Enchantment Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2006
Maud Hart Lovelace Award (WON AWARD) 2007

Reviews: Booklist; Publishers Weekly (2004, March 8); School Library Journal (2002, March 1); Kirkus Reviews (2002, February 1); Voice of Youth Advocates (2002, February 1)

Similar Materials: Andrew Clements’ Things That Are

Subjects/Themes: invisibility, disabilities, Hebrew Bible, self-esteem

Character Names: Bobby Phillips; Alicia Van Dorn; Mr. and Mrs. Phillips

Author Website: http://www.andrewclements.com/

Brief Annotation: A fifteen-year old boy discovers that he is invisible after showering on morning.