The Invisible Boy
By Trudy Ludwig
Can you see, Brian, the invisible boy? Even Mrs. Carlotti has trouble noticing him
in her classroom. She’s too busy dealing with Nathan and Sophie.
Nathan has problem with what Mrs. Carlotti calls “volume control.” He uses his
outside voice inside too much. Sophie whines and complains when she doesn’t get
her way. Nathan and Sophie take up a lot of space. Brian doesn’t.
When the bell rings for recess, Micah and J.T. take turns choosing kids for their
kickball teams. The best players got picked first. Then the best friends of the best
players. Then the friends of the best players. Only Brian is left, still waiting and
hoping.
J.T. glances in Brian’s direction and, just as quickly, looks away. “We’ve got enough
players for each team,” he tells the others. “Let’s play ball!”
In the cafeteria, Madison and her friends talk about her birthday party. “The rope
swing over the pool was awesome!” says J.T.
“Yeah, so was the waterslide,” adds Fiona.
“That was the best pool party ever!”
“I’m so glad you guys had fun!” says Madison. Everybody did except Brian. He
wasn’t invited.
At Choosing Time, while the other kids play board games and read, Brian sits at his
table, doing what he loves to do best: He draws fire-breathing dragons scaling tall
buildings…space aliens locked in intergalactic battles…greedy pirates digging for
treasures…and superheroes with the power to make friends wherever they go.
On Monday morning, Mrs. Carlotti introduces Justin, a new student, to the class.
Brian smiles shyly at him. Some of the other kids sneak looks at Justin, trying to
figure out if he’s cool enough to be their friend. They haven’t quite made up their
minds yet.
At lunch, Madison and J.T. watch Justin eat with chopsticks. “What’s that?” asks
Madison as she points at Justin’s food.
“It’s Bulgogi.”
