Invisible Jerry by Adam Wallace and Giuseppe Poli

EK Books, 2018. ISBN 9781925335781
People don't notice Jerry. If someone bumps into him, they don't say sorry. If he makes a joke, no one laughs. He never gets picked last for sports teams - but that's because he never gets picked at all. It's like he's invisible. Even though, like most kids, he doesn't want to be too different that he stands out, he hates being invisible. He really would like to be part of the crowd, laughing, smiling and having fun but that's hard if you're quiet and shy.
But then along comes Molly . . . and not only does she change Jerry's life, she enables him to changes the lives of others.
There is a fine line between being the centre of attention and perhaps putting a target on your back for bullies and being so introverted that you're not even noticed. Most kids seem to work within a happy medium between the two but there are always the extremes - like the Bell curve of distribution. Sharing this book with young readers can help make those in the middle more aware of those like Jerry who don't have the confidence to step forward, or who are ignored when they try, while at the same time, give the introverts the opportunity to reach out to someone who is just like them and who is probably feeling as unhappy as they are. Whilst we don't all are or want to be in the limelight, sometimes it's necessary to cast a light into the shadows.
From the front cover of this book where the line between Jerry and his peers is drawn with the title dividing him from them, the placement of Jerry in the illustrations underscores his isolation and the gentle palette reinforces the light touch that Spark author, Adam Wallace has used to portray a common situation that can be dark and overwhelming.
Another wonderful story for your mindfulness collection.
Barbara Braxton