Anxiety.

At some point in life most of us have experienced that awful feeling deep inside, one of worry and concern. It’s tough to cope with especially when you’re growing up.

Isabel Beane lives in a house with 5 siblings, two younger and three older. She doesn’t like how the house is always noisy and chaotic. Her shyness often makes Isabel feel invisible.

Monica, a popular girl at school, has chosen Isabel to be the one person she treats badly. Quiet and confused, Isabel is shunned by classmates who only care about Monica. This event increases Isabel’s fears. Standardized testing only makes it worse by a teacher who seems to enjoy these exams.

Isabel describes her internal hurt as worry moths causing real pain in her stomach. Mom tells her it’s all in her head. When Isabel has a real emergency room crisis, it helps her understand her anxiety and autism.

The verse format for Invisible Isabel is quite effective as the story telling technique. The worry moths parallel was also a good analogy kids will understand. Perfect for 3rd – 5th graders and a great starting point for discussion both at home and at school.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT INVISIBLE ISABEL by Sally Pla

1. The doctor’s explanation to Isabel about anxiety was both excellent and understandable. Also nicely thought out was the list of 10 strategies Isabel and counselor Wanda came up with to help Isabel’s thinking in the future.
2. The discussion about get well cards by Isabel’s classmates brought insights into their previously clouded perceptions. A perfect way to uncover true feelings.
3. Excellent illustrations are scattered throughout. They all helped provide an even more memorable reading experience.
4. Neurodiversity and autism are terms often misunderstood. The story makes these terms very clear and the author provides helpful links for those who want to know more about anxiety in childhood.
5. The 200 pages flew by and will work well with both those experiencing anxiety along with parents and teachers wanting a deeper understanding.

Thanks to the author for kindly sending this worry moth replica which I have attached to a window. Brings a smile to my face every time I see it peeking in at me.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR

Sally J. Pla is the ALA Schneider Award-winning author of THE FIRE, THE WATER, AND MAUDIE McGINN, as well as the Dolly Gray Award-winning THE SOMEDAY BIRDS and several other popular novels and picture books. Her books have starred reviews and appear on many state awards lists and “best books” roundups. Sally, who is neurodivergent, has appeared on television and radio as an author and autism advocate. She also runs the website resource A Novel Mind (anovelmind.com). Sally believes in kindness, respect, and the beauty of different brains. We are all stars shining with different lights! Visit her at www.sallyjpla.com.

Tania de Regil is an author and illustrator from Mexico City. She is the creator of the ALA Notable Children’s Book A New Home as well as Something About Grandma, and she is the illustrator of Welcome to the Big Kids Club, written by Chelsea Clinton. She studied fashion design at Parsons School of Design in New York City and finished her studies in her home country of Mexico. She lives in Mexico City with her filmmaker husband, her son, and her two cats.  For more information, visit:  taniaderegil.com.

Instagram: Sally Pla: @sallyjpla

Tania de Regil: @taniaderegil.books

Quill Tree Books/Harper: @harperkids

Blue Slip Media: @blue_slip_media 

Facebook: Sally Pla: Sally Pla

Tania de Regil: Tania de Regil Books

Quill Tree Books/Harper: HarperKidsBooks

Blue Slip Media: @Blue Slip Media

Twitter/X: Sally Pla: @sallyjpla

Tania de Regil: @taniaderegil

Quill Tree Books/Harper: HarperKids

Blue Slip Media: @blueslipper & @barbfisch

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