Invisible Isabel

From award-winning author Sally J. Pla comes an illustrated middle grade novel about introverted Isabel Beane, who learns to speak up to quiet her worries. This thoughtful, earnest story is perfect for fans of Elana K. Arnold and Leslie Connor.

Isabel Beane is a shy girl who lives in a home full of havoc and hubbub and hullabaloo. With five siblings, there is always too much too much-ness.

At school, there’s a new girl who is immediately popular, but she’s also not very nice to one person—Isabel.

Isabel has never felt more invisible. She begins to get bombarded by fears, like being abandoned by her classmates and taking the upcoming Extremely Important standardized test. Her fears feel like worry-moths that flutter in her belly. With every passing day, they seem to get stronger and stronger. How can Invisible Isabel make people listen?

Introverted Hero: Shy, quiet Isabel feels invisible in her loud, chaotic home and at school. Her journey to be seen is one that many young readers will connect with. Social Emotional Learning: Isabel’s anxiety manifests as ‘worry-moths’ fluttering in her belly. This book provides a gentle, powerful language for kids to understand and talk about their own feelings of anxiety and being overwhelmed. Making Friends: When a popular new girl, Monica, encourages others to ignore her, Isabel must navigate the complicated world of school friendships and bullying. Neurodivergent Main Character: A thoughtful exploration of what it means to be neurodivergent. Isabel learns that her sensitive brain isn’t a flaw, but a unique part of who she is, with its own strengths.