The Invisible Boy

Book Details

At the end of the book, you’ll find a note from the author written just for educators and parents. It includes thoughtful discussion questions for children and recommended books for both kids and adults. These final pages are simple but powerful and worth exploring before or after reading the story aloud.

What the Story Is About

Some children speak with words.
Some with noise.
And some—like Brian—speak with silence and drawings.

The Invisible Boy is a gentle story about Brian, a quiet boy no one seems to notice. He’s not picked for games. He’s not invited to birthday parties. In the classroom, he almost disappears. But when a new student, Justin, arrives, things begin to change. Brian reaches out in the only way he knows—through a drawing. And that single act opens a door.

A door to kindness.
A door to being seen.

What the Book Teaches

Being left out doesn’t always look sad. Sometimes, it hides in silence. And easily evades your attention.
Some children speak with words. Some with pictures.
Inclusion doesn’t need to be loud—it begins with noticing.
A single act of care can help someone feel like they belong.

What to Notice in the Illustrations

Brian appears in soft greys at first, almost fading into the page.
As he begins to feel noticed and included, colour slowly fills him in.
The change is quiet, almost like morning light spreading across a wall.

The classroom scenes—lockers, lunch trays, shared tables—feel familiar and warm. Every detail helps bring Brian’s inner world to life.

Reflection Prompts for Teachers

Who in your room often goes unnoticed—not because they aren’t present, but because they’re quiet?
How do your routines and groupings shape who gets included and who gets left out?
Are there enough ways in your classroom for quiet children to be seen, appreciated, and heard?
What small shifts in language, seating, or praise might help children like Brian feel they matter?
Can better eye contact, or a warm smile, cast some magic?

Questions to Explore with Children

For ages 6–8:

• Have you ever felt like Brian?

• What does it feel like to be left out?

• What did Justin do that helped Brian feel better?

For ages 9–10:

• Why do you think no one noticed Brian?

• How did the pictures help you understand his feelings?

• What can we do to make sure no one feels invisible?

Activities That Build Empathy and Belonging

The Kindness Web
Draw a circle on the board or chart paper. In the center, write: One kind thing.
Invite children to add lines outward, showing what that act could lead to.
This helps them see how kindness spreads, step-by-step.

Colour Me In
Ask children to draw a moment they felt invisible or left out.
Then have them add colour—words, drawings, shapes—that show what helped them feel better or what they wished had happened.
A quiet way to explore emotion and hope.

Guided Reflection
In Brian’s Shoes - Especially for older children (ages 9–10), read this slowly: "Imagine you are Brian. No one waves at you. No one saves you a seat. No one notices when you’re missing. How would that feel? What would you hope someone might do?" Let them write, draw, or speak in response. Let this question sit in the room. Allow silence. Let children take their time. Some may share stories from memory. Some may speak from imagination. Either way, they’re stepping into someone else’s shoes. And that is where empathy begins.

Mirror Moments
Create a weekly ritual where children take turns sharing:
“One thing I did this week that made someone smile.”
“One thing someone did that made me feel seen.”
A simple way to build awareness, gratitude, and connection.

I Noticed Notes
Set out small slips of paper labelled “I noticed…”
Children can write short notes when they see a classmate doing something kind or thoughtful.
At the end of the week, read a few aloud. It’s a gentle way to celebrate caring and observation.

To Go Further

Suggested book pairings:

• Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

• Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi