Things Not Seen (review)
crossposted at my group's Project Blog
Clements, A. (2002) Things Not Seen. London, England: Puffin Books.
Genre: Science Fiction
Interest Level: 9-14
Review:
What would you do if you woke up one morning to discover that you were invisible to the human eye? Bobby Phillips, a 15 year old nobody, begins his first day as an invisible boy attempting to convince his parents (both talented professors) that he is, in fact, invisible - and not simply pranking them. What starts out as a welcome holiday from school - for how does one go to school if one can’t be seen? - quickly becomes more serious as Bobby is forced to live hidden away from everyone but his parents.
Things Not Seen keeps the audience engaged through unexpected twists and turns that encourages readers to consider consequences beyond just the immediate, making it an especially appropriate book for young people who are just beginning to think seriously about their long term goals and place in the world at large. What really stands out, however, are Andrew Clements characters and the relationships between them. Bobby’s concerns and reactions ring true - on that first day he bounces back and forth between panic at the thought of being stuck in his new condition and fascination with his new talent. As the story progresses, Bobby’s parents can’t seem to decide if they are real people with real vulnerabilities, or if they are simply obstacles for Bobby to overcome, but in the end they feel more true to life for having been shown to us through Bobby’s eyes and his growing understanding of them. It is with the help of others, most especially a new friend named Alicia, that Bobby not only finds solutions to his own problems but also learns how to understand himself and those around him better.
Bobby’s age, relationship with Alicia, and the overall theme of feeling inconsequential make this book most appropriate for nine and up - simply because most younger children will not find the focus of the book particularly interesting and consequently may have a harder time relating to Bobby, not because there is anything in it that would be too mature for younger school aged children to handle. Some parents may be concerned at the nudity in the book (Bobby being invisible + his clothes being visible = some very chilly outings), but there is nothing sexual about how it is presented. Older teens may find the ending too pat and the story too simplistic. Best for ages 9-14.
Awards: ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults 2003
Sequels:
Things Hoped For
Things That Are
Author's Website: http://www.andrewclements.com/
Clements, A. (2002) Things Not Seen. London, England: Puffin Books.
Genre: Science Fiction
Interest Level: 9-14
Review:
What would you do if you woke up one morning to discover that you were invisible to the human eye? Bobby Phillips, a 15 year old nobody, begins his first day as an invisible boy attempting to convince his parents (both talented professors) that he is, in fact, invisible - and not simply pranking them. What starts out as a welcome holiday from school - for how does one go to school if one can’t be seen? - quickly becomes more serious as Bobby is forced to live hidden away from everyone but his parents.
Things Not Seen keeps the audience engaged through unexpected twists and turns that encourages readers to consider consequences beyond just the immediate, making it an especially appropriate book for young people who are just beginning to think seriously about their long term goals and place in the world at large. What really stands out, however, are Andrew Clements characters and the relationships between them. Bobby’s concerns and reactions ring true - on that first day he bounces back and forth between panic at the thought of being stuck in his new condition and fascination with his new talent. As the story progresses, Bobby’s parents can’t seem to decide if they are real people with real vulnerabilities, or if they are simply obstacles for Bobby to overcome, but in the end they feel more true to life for having been shown to us through Bobby’s eyes and his growing understanding of them. It is with the help of others, most especially a new friend named Alicia, that Bobby not only finds solutions to his own problems but also learns how to understand himself and those around him better.
Bobby’s age, relationship with Alicia, and the overall theme of feeling inconsequential make this book most appropriate for nine and up - simply because most younger children will not find the focus of the book particularly interesting and consequently may have a harder time relating to Bobby, not because there is anything in it that would be too mature for younger school aged children to handle. Some parents may be concerned at the nudity in the book (Bobby being invisible + his clothes being visible = some very chilly outings), but there is nothing sexual about how it is presented. Older teens may find the ending too pat and the story too simplistic. Best for ages 9-14.
Awards: ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults 2003
Sequels:
Things Hoped For
Things That Are
Author's Website: http://www.andrewclements.com/