Monday, March 17, 2014

Invisible by Cecily Anne Paterson

 





Rated 5 STARS

 

 

 
 
 
 
Jazmine is a young, deaf teen who,since her father’s death has closed herself off from the rest of the world by becoming invisible.  She stays as inconspicuous as possible by sitting quietly with some rough girls at lunch.  She feels embarrassed and frightened if too much attention is given to her.

One day, the rough bunch of girls she eats lunch with, led by Shalini hatch a plan to destroy the drama room at school because Shalini didn’t get the part she wanted. Jazmine is forced to tag along and the destruction begins. Jazmine doesn’t know what to do so she just stands around until a certain prop catches her eye and she hides it from the other girls.

They all get caught and are suspended but Jazmine is given a second chance by the drama teacher.  She has to be Miss Fraser’s assistant for the school play.  In spite of herself, Jazmine starts to enjoy working on the play and does things that she never did before.  Suddenly she starts to find herself by writing in a journal, making friends and living life to the fullest.

When Shalini returns to school with a shameful secret about Jazmine’s past, every thing seems to be falling apart.  Should Jazmine go back to being invisible?

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I loved this book.  Jazmine was well defined and I could really understand her feelings.  I thought that feeling invisible in highschool is a common thing and I was happy that she was able to start appreciating her strengths and coming into her own. 

Her mom was a sad woman who thought keeping silent about problems was the right thing to do so people would still like you.  Unfortunately, Jazmine embraced that philosophy.  I think the mom was very believable in her frustration.

The new friends that Jazmine makes are a wonderful bunch who get along and tease and play together and stick together if things get tough.  It would be wonderful if all invisible kids could come across a group like these friends.

Her budding romance with Liam is sweet and age appropriate.  He is a cutie and a half!

Shalini and her fellow bullies were scary and mean without becoming cartoonish.  I felt sick when Shalini came back and made Jazmine’s life miserable.

I especially liked the way the author shared Jazmine’s feelings through her writing in the journal.  They were true and deep and I teared up many a time.

I think you would really love this book if you were ever a teenager or are one now!

SPECIAL NOTE:  Come back tomorrow for an interview with the author, Cecily Paterson.

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