The Invisible Boy

"Illustrator Barton adds a wonderful touch by drawing all the other characters in color but sketching Brian in faint shades of black and white - at least at first....Before long, Brian, in living color, is not so invisible after all. It’s 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 about a boy who has been excluded for no apparent reason but finds a way to cope and eventually gains acceptance. Highly recommended book…”
-School Library Journal Starred Review

"Ludwig and Barton understand classroom dynamics and wisely refrain from lecturing readers…Instead, 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

"This endearing picture book about a timid boy who longs to belong…delivers its message with great sensitivity. Tender illustrations rendered in glowing hues capture Brian’s isolation deftly...Use this to start a discussion: The author includes suggested questions and recommended reading lists for adults and children. Accessible, reassuring and hopeful."-Kirkus Reviews

“Pitch-perfect words and art.” -Scholastic Instructor

“A story with heart and soul. The Invisible Boy brings the power of kindness and compassion into focus.”
-Mia Doces, Committee for Children

“Love this! The Invisible Boy has got to be one of my all-time favorite books for kids!”
-Kathryn Otoshi, award-winning author of One and Zero

"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

“This book is the epitome of a FAB picture book—from the amazing art of Barton to the poignant story from Ludwig, The Invisible Boy touches on the realities of a typical classroom and the difficulties some kids face in developing relationships. It is a discussion guide, a story, and a work of art. BRAVO to team Ludwig and Barton!” -Christine Fonseca, author of Quiet Kids

"Heartstrings will twinge when reading this dear book, a reminder to include others, no matter how invisible they may seem." -October 2013 Book Buzz Picks, The Missourian

Junior Library Guild Selection
Starred Review, School Library Journal
School Library Journal Best Picture Books
Scholastic Instructor Recommended Back-to-School Picks
USA Today Recommended Back-to-School Picks
Buzzfeed’s Top Picks To Encourage Kindness Toward Others
NAPPA Gold Medal Winner
Victoria Soto Legacy Award
Elephant’s Trunk Award, Early Learning Centre, Bangkok, Thailand
The Children's Book Review Best Picture Books
Missourian October Book Buzz Pick
Kids' Indie Next List Selection
Oregon Spirit Book Awards
International Reading Association Teachers’ Choices
Illinois Monarch Award Master List
Kentucky Bluegrass Award
New Hampshire Ladybug Picture Book Award Nominee
Missouri Show Me Readers Award Nominee
Missouri Association of School Librarians Reader Awards Final Nominee
Nebraska Golden Sower Award Nominee
Washington Children’s Choice Award Nominee
Georgia Picture Book Award Nominee
Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award Nominee
Connecticut Charter Oak Children’s Book Award Nominee