Something Invisible - Hardcover

Siobhàn Parkinson is the author of ten previous novels, including Sisters...No Way!, winner of the Bisto Book of the Year Award, Ireland's prestigious award for children's literature. She lives in Dublin with her husband and son.

Grade 6-8-Thinking and talking are 11-year-old Jake's favorite things, next to football and fish. When eccentric Stella Daly follows him home one day, convinced he could be a friend, she is right. And Mrs. Kennedy, an elderly new neighbor, takes an interest in both children. The third big change comes with the arrival of Jake's baby sister. At first resentful of her and his parents, he grows to bond with Daisy. But trouble lies ahead. Jake and Stella have a falling out. Then one day the accidental death of one of Stella's sisters alters all of the characters' lives forever. With the help of Mrs. Kennedy, Jake puts aside his anguish to be a true, supportive friend to Stella. Parkinson examines invisible, fragile ties among people, sometimes calling for self-examination in order to focus on others who may be, as Mrs. Kennedy puts it, more important than oneself at any given time. She infuses Jake with strength that he did not realize he had. The development of Stella's family is a little bare-bones in terms of why they are so eccentric, so quick to change moods, and readers need to know more about them to understand Stella's behavior. Still, Something Invisible is a quality novel that will appeal to readers interested in words and how they define relationships, and who prefer thoughtful, wise books over those teeming with action and adventure. For any child experiencing what Jake is going through, this is an ideal read.-Tracy Karbel, Glenside Public Library District, Glendale Heights, IL
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