How to Stay Invisible

Raymond, a 12-year-old boy, has always felt that he was an afterthought to his parents. He is a middle-schooler, utterly alone and homeless. His parents had told him they would have been better off without him.

 Title: How to Stay Invisible

Author: Maggie C. Rudd

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

To learn more about this wonderful author, please visit her website here.

Even when this was the case, Raymond never thought they would abandon him. One evening, when Raymond reached home (since no one came to pick him up at school), the doors were locked and the landlord told him that his parents had left him the key because they were unable to pay the rent!!! 

No way out of this, Raymond, with help from his dog Rosie, starts building a camp in the woods next to his school. He felt that he should believe no one and should rely on himself. He stayed invisible to people so that they wouldn't find out he was homeless, which would pave his way to foster care. However, as time went on, he did start making friends and socializing, even though, reluctantly.

Even though the neglect of Raymond's parents is a little too hard to believe part of this story, this book doesn't contain any drama or mention of God. Instead, the boy makes new friendships and finds out new responsible adults who are ready to care for him.

This is a very nicely written true-to-life story which would be perfect for middle-grade readers. A great story of courage and survival!

Comments

Recent Posts