Things Not Seen

Things Not Seen
By Andrew Clements

Scholastic Inc
New York
2002

Bobby Phillips was a typical fifteen year old boy, until one day he wakes up invisible. His parents try to help him as much as they can, urging him not to tell anyone. He goes to the library and meets a Alicia, a blind girl. Since she cannot see, she is the perfect person to talk to, and they become friends. He is forced to tell her of his situation and she helps him through his struggles. In addition to being invisible, Bobby faces hardships which leave him home alone for a couple days and more hardships when the school calls the Child Protective Services because he has missed three weeks of school. Bobby, Alicia, and both of their parents work to find the cause of Bobby's invisibility.

Noteworthy Features:

• Conversations: The author includes Instant Message conversations between Bobby and Alicia. These conversations are written with improper grammar, shortened spellings, and little or no punctuation. They are written the way people would actually IM each other. 
• Blindness: This book addresses the disability of blindness. It can help students understand the struggles a person who is blind may experience. 

Amidst all of the chaos and hardships, Bobby learns about friendship, trust, and taking control of his future. As a teacher this book is good for students to read. It has a storyline that students will enjoy of a boy who becomes invisible. But it also teaches students what it means to be a friend and the difference a friend can make in a persons life. It also focuses on the concept of trust. Bobby keeps his word making him someone to trust. Alicia also keeps Bobby's secret for him making her another example of a trustworthy person. Lastly, another strong concept from this book is taking control of ones future. It is important that students learn to think for themselves and know what they think. Bobby is constantly working towards thinking for himself. Alicia also exhibits this theme. Her story of becoming and living blind, pushed her to see life differently and take control of her future.

Links for Classroom Activities:

• http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/things-not-seen-lesson-plan
  This is a link to a lesson plan for this book. It includes objectives, pre-reading, activities, and other recommended books.

• http://edhelper.com/books/Things_Not_Seen.htm
  This is a link to a unit plan for this book. It breaks down the book into chapters, includes word wall words, reading journals, and extended activities.