Invisible by Pete Hautman is a taut wire of a book that offers a study of Doug Hanson, a loner seventeen year old obsessed with bridge building. Doug’s best friend Andy lives right next door so that they can chat through the window. Unlike Doug, Andy is a popular football star at school. They are a strange pair but remain best friends.
As the book continues, the reader will see clues that all is not what it seems. A lot of the power of the book comes from slowly realizing what is really going on, so I will not spoil it for you. The reader will see what is coming and feel the powerlessness of being unable to stop it.
Recommend this slim book to kids who enjoy psychological thrillers. This is the sort of teen novel that adults will enjoy as well, demonstrating the power of writing for teens. This book is fast enough moving for reluctant readers, especially boys.