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The Invisible Boy
Last updated Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Author: Trudy Ludwig
Illustrator: Patrice Barton
Date of Publication: 2013
ISBN: 1582464502
Grade Level: Kindergarten (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Aug. 2026
Synopsis:
Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody in class ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party. . . until, that is, a new kid comes to class.
When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.
| Note to readers: |
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Brian is “invisible;” he is shy …and… he is left out of what the other students are doing. When a new boy is teased by the other kids because he is a different (culture and food), Brian uses a drawing and note to reach out to Justin and befriend him. Justin includes Brian in class activities and the class soon appreciates both.
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This book shows that kindness is a simple way to make all feel welcome and is an effective cure for bullying.
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HEAD START: Listen to / read the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLTNX5XTuJE
(9 minutes)
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Based on the title, what do you think the book will be about? (the supernatural? super powers?)
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Looking at the cover, why do you think this boy is “The Invisible Boy?”
Vocabulary
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“outside voice”: shouting or talking louder than is necessary
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cafeteria: a place where the children eat lunch
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invite: ask someone to join you to do something fun
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“scaling tall buildings:” climbing, conquering.
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“intergalactic battles:” adventures that take place across time and space
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cookie: a universal sign of friendship
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greedy: wanting more than your fair share
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introduce: bring people together to become friends
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scurry: move around in a hurry
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Have you ever felt “invisible.” What would have helped you to fit in or feel visible?
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What do you think is worse, being “invisible,” or being laughed at, or…?
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How does Justin feel when he finds the note Brian wrote to him?
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How does Brian feel when Justin invites him to join his table and gives him a cookie?
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What can we do to help others who feel invisible or left out?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Make an “invisible” kid become visible: Start with a simple outline drawing of a kid, or a face (it could be
Brian, or it could be you!); inside the outline draw pictures / list things that make that kid / you special).
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Make a list of things that “Good Friends Do:” (gives you a cookie, plays with you, shares toys and friends with
you…). Frame it! (make a frame with strips of construction paper on the outside of the drawing).
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“National” days to celebrate with a craft in August: Sisters (2nd ), Watermelons (3rd ), Chocolate Chip Cookies (4th ), Water Balloons (7th ), S’Mores (10th ), Elephants (12th ), Left-Handers (13th ), Dogs (26th)
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| Special activities: |
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Pair the children up (or include all in one group) to ask / tell about what makes them special. Challenge:
which kid remembers the most about the others? (1 st choice for take-home book!)
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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