Invisible - by David Soren (Hardcover)

About the Book

Artistic J.J. navigates starting middle school and managing his Crohns disease, personified as a disruptive, imaginary companion named Norm, while dealing with friendships, secrecy, and the realities of living with an invisible illness.

Book Synopsis

From the director of the Captain Underpants movie and Turbo comes a heavily illustrated middle grade novel full of humor and heart that captures the rollercoaster ride of growing up with an invisible disability. For fans of Wink and Wonder!

"A hilarious and unforgettable tale of triumph over trauma that nobody can see."--Dav Pilkey, author and illustrator of Dog Man

J.J. Sugar was only eight years old when he discovered that he could really draw. Like...better than anyone else in class (no offense to the other kids!). After winning a citywide poster design contest, his dream of becoming an animator was born.

Unfortunately for J.J., that same year, he also discovered his curse. After not feeling well for several weeks, he went to the doctor for some tests. (Actually, lots and lots and lots of tests.) And when his doctor dropped the diagnosis--Crohn's disease--J.J. was suddenly no longer alone on the exam table. Sitting next to him was a giant, sarcastic, leather-wearing CREATURE: Norm, the not-so-invisible embodiment of J.J.'s chronic disease. And Norm seems bent on ruining his life.

Now, J.J. must navigate the twists and turns of middle school and his bowels. But maybe he won't have to do it alone...

Review Quotes

"At once heartfelt and humorous...Soren's energetic artwork gives life to both human and imaginary characters."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A hilarious and unforgettable tale of triumph over trauma that nobody can see."--Dav Pilkey, author and illustrator of Dog Man

"Funny, fearless, and full of heart. Invisible nails the weird, frustrating reality of living with something other people can't see--and turns it into a wild, hilarious, unforgettable story. I wish I had a book like this when I was a kid."--Max Brallier, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Last Kids on Earth and Eerie Elementary

"Hilarious, heartfelt, original, and important. This book made me laugh and cry--sometimes on the same page."--Lauren Lapkus, actor and comedian

"The story is strongest when its spry humor and J.J.'s passion for comics and cartoons shine through...The black-and-white spot illustrations throughout are dynamic and humorous...Lively and well intentioned."--Kirkus Reviews

"A lively narrative enriched with comics pages and cartoon caricatures...that may prove helpful, or at least reassuring, to readers with relatable physical challenges."--Booklist

"It's that playful candor about his own experience with chronic illness that makes this book so inviting...Meanwhile, black-and-white ink cartoons add depth to the story and showcase J.J.'s growth as an artist. Pair with Whale Eyes for a double whammy of nuanced memoir-adjacent takes on art and disability."--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

About the Author

David Soren grew up in Canada and now lives in California with his wife and two children. After attending Sheridan College's classical animation program, he was recruited by DreamWorks Animation, where he worked for over twenty years on many of their most beloved franchises, including Shrek, Chicken Run, and How to Train Your Dragon. He directed and cowrote Turbo, Captain Underpants, and Under the Boardwalk. Invisible is his first book.