  | Invisible : the (sort of) true story of me & my hidden disease Author: Soren, David | |
| Price: $22.58 | ||
Summary:
Artistic J.J. navigates starting middle school and managing his Crohn's disease, personified as a disruptive, imaginary companion named Norm, while dealing with friendships, secrecy, and the realities of living with an invisible illness.
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (09/01/25)
Booklist (09/01/25)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/09/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Other - 07/21/2025 A tween struggles to adapt to his chronic illness as well as the arrival of a fantastical and unwelcome new roommate in Soren’s lively debut, which the author notes was inspired by his experience growing up with an invisible disability. When white-cued eight-year-old J.J. Sugar is diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a seven-foot-tall creature ("my disease") suddenly manifests at the other end of the once-empty exam table. The leather jacket-wearing monster, seemingly visible only to J.J., introduces himself as Norm, "as in Normal... better get used to me ’cause I’m the new Norm." As J.J. learns to manage his Crohn’s and contends with Norm’s unpredictable, disruptive presence, he keeps his diagnosis secret from his friends, fearing it might change how they perceive and treat him. Meanwhile, J.J. practices his art skills, hoping to one day move to California to make animated movies. At once heartfelt and humorous first-person narration follows J.J. as he develops an understanding not just of his own illness, but of those living with other invisible diseases. Realistic interpretations of the protagonist’s experiences provide readers with potential insight into their peers’ challenges while acting as a show of communal support. Soren’s energetic caricature-style b&w artwork gives life to both human and imaginary characters. Ages 8-12. (Oct.) - Copyright 2025
Booklist - 09/01/2025 In a lively narrative enriched with comics pages and cartoon caricatures, Soren records his long relationship with Norm, a gruffly genial ogre that became a nearly constant companion following his diagnosis with Crohn’s disease at age eight. Keeping the tone light as he goes, with guest appearances from the Anxiety Fairy, a gremlin named Side Effect, and other metaphorical flights, he offers his take on living with a disability or a chronic illness (whether visible or, like his, otherwise) that not only retraces gleeful experiences as a talented preteen artist who took first steps toward a career as a professional animator by creating a set of coveted teacher trading cards and later lying about his age to get into a college art workshop but also lays out a pathway from stubborn denial and humiliation to self-acceptance that may prove helpful, or at least reassuring, to readers with relatable physical challenges. “Am I supposed to be scared of you?” he asks Norm at their first meeting. “Up to you,” is the reply. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.
