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The Kairos Files #1
Valiente: A veces basta con desaparecer para dejar de ser invisible
What would you do if no one could see you? In this surreal adventure, a boy who is used to being overlooked literally becomes invisible, only to realize there may be far more dangerous threats in his school than bullies.
Sixth grade takes a turn for the weird when Hector Griggs discovers he has the ability to turn invisible. Sure, ever since Hector’s former best friend Blake started bullying him, he’s been feeling like he just wants to disappear…but he never thought he actually would. And then, Hector meets another invisible boy, Orson Wellington, who has an ominous “I’m stuck here. Stuck like this. It’s been years. The gelim’s hunting me and it’ll get you, too.”
It turns out, there is more than meets the eye at St. Lawrence’s Catholic School for Boys, and if Hector is going to save Orson--and himself—from the terrifying creature preying on students’ loneliness and fear, he’ll need to look deeper. With the help of a mysterious new classmate, Sam, can Hector unravel the mysteries haunting his school, and discover that sometimes it takes disappearing to really be seen?
Sixth grade takes a turn for the weird when Hector Griggs discovers he has the ability to turn invisible. Sure, ever since Hector’s former best friend Blake started bullying him, he’s been feeling like he just wants to disappear…but he never thought he actually would. And then, Hector meets another invisible boy, Orson Wellington, who has an ominous “I’m stuck here. Stuck like this. It’s been years. The gelim’s hunting me and it’ll get you, too.”
It turns out, there is more than meets the eye at St. Lawrence’s Catholic School for Boys, and if Hector is going to save Orson--and himself—from the terrifying creature preying on students’ loneliness and fear, he’ll need to look deeper. With the help of a mysterious new classmate, Sam, can Hector unravel the mysteries haunting his school, and discover that sometimes it takes disappearing to really be seen?
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 6, 2024
40 people are currently reading
701 people want to read
About the author
Shaun David Hutchinson
30 books5,027 followersShaun is a major geek and all about nerdy shenanigans. He is the author of many queer books for young adults. Find out more information at shaundavidhutchinson.com. He currently lives in Seattle and watches way too much Doctor Who.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
July 14, 2024
The School for Invisible Boys was a great read, and a really interesting start to the series.
Not everything is as it seems at St. Lawrence’s Catholic School for Boys. There's rumours of a haunted building, Hector's once best friend has suddenly switched and has become his relentless bully. Oh and Hector had discovered he can turn invisible.
However, he's not the only one who can turn invisible. Orson Wellington can too, except he's stuck and can't turn back. Now it's up to Hector to not only help Orson but to stop the sinister creature preying on students, before he becomes stuck too.
Not everything is as it seems at St. Lawrence’s Catholic School for Boys. There's rumours of a haunted building, Hector's once best friend has suddenly switched and has become his relentless bully. Oh and Hector had discovered he can turn invisible.
However, he's not the only one who can turn invisible. Orson Wellington can too, except he's stuck and can't turn back. Now it's up to Hector to not only help Orson but to stop the sinister creature preying on students, before he becomes stuck too.
April 29, 2024
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
“Don’t ever let someone else’s insecurities stop you from following your heart.”
Shaun David Hutchinson's middle grade debut was much, much better than my first attempt with his work. It probably is no fault of his that his writing didn't quite work for me the first time around, but this was a very engaging, if not well-intended read that shows a unique take on being invisible - for almost the wrong reasons. 😞 For when twelve-year-old sixth grader Hector Griggs realizes he can suddenly turn invisible, he realizes that there seems to be a lot more mysterious if not dangerous schemes afoot at St. Lawrence’s Catholic School for Boys. That while he's not trying to stave off the cold demeanor of bullying torment from his once-best friend Blake, he meets another invisible boy, Orson, who shows him that under the guise of good intentions, there once norma school could actual be a The School for Invisible Boys.
“If I’m not invisible, then what am I?”
“Lost,” Orson said. “You’re where lost things go.”
It is a nice balance of paranormal activities and character development that has me invested in seeing what will happen next. With strange occurrences already afoot at his school, Hector's reaction to turning invisible was genuine, if not heartfelt, in the way he amused himself with the thrills of entertaining himself at others' expense, only to discover that he really isn't alone - in this mess. 😔 It is that prevailing mystery of what is the secret behind Orson being invisible as well, why no one seems to know who he is or this deadly creature that is terrorizing the school hallways that had me curious to see how it would all play out. With the assistance of another mysterious character, Sam, who seems to know a lot more than she's letting on, it becomes a fight for not only their lives - but to protect the safety of their schools and to prevent any other students from falling prey to the invisibility curse. 🤝🏻
“A smart boy like you could surely find a way to send a message to your tormentors that you aren’t to be trifled with.”
Hector is that character who made one blunder and it cost him his friendship. Hector is that young son who has a stepfather not too entirely fond of him. Hector is that lost soul who doesn't know what his place is in the world, if he's forever going to be tormented for being queer - every laugh and jeer that cuts deep within his heart. It is these little details that build up and make him an easy target - for wanting to stay in the shadows. And I think that is what really appealed to me. The dichotomy of what it means to be invisible - of being out of the spotlight is to avoid any unnecessary altercation or attract unwarranted attention - and that by staying invisible - is also a cause for attraction. 😣 That by being lost and forgotten can also make him a convenient prey for a monster that grows powerful by feeding off one's individual pain. It was a really unique approach and made me appreciate how cleverly it was done. 👏🏻
“I wished I could hate Blake, but I also wished I could have my best friend back. It was confusing to love someone so much and despise them at the same time.”
Even though the ending was a cross of Ghostbusters and Goosebumps united action front, I really enjoyed the friendships depicted. As cold as Blake was to Hector, it hurt, as well as moved me at how Hector never gave up on him. How he didn't shy away from being openly honest - if not vulnerable with the friend he's cared about for the longest time. That one foolish, if not ill-timed mistake on his part - which, honestly, wasn't, but that it could generate such a hurtful response - that inadvertently spiraled into - well, all of this... I felt for him. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 For how candid he was - about how sensitive he was to other's feelings, how openly willing and considerate and desperate it was to help Orson. 'Because this wasn’t just about winning. It was about surviving.' Orson - it is sad to think what happened to him - there was such a trace of sadness and loneliness to the other side - it hurt knowing that he was depending on Hector so much so, but couldn't pressure him. I liked seeing them work together with Sam. Their interactions fit their age, and I liked seeing them try to figure out how to break the so-called invisibility cloak so that they could finally demolish the danger threatening their school. 😥
“I didn’t believe that before, but I believe it now. The way we talk about ourselves matters, because words can be weapons, but they can also be shields.”
I have seen before how well Hutchinson illustrates how harmful bullying can be, and he depicts that as pivotally here. It is in the subtle words and jabs that can be vindictive and painful without meaning that really gets under your skin. It's shown in the way Hector feels the raw hurt and painful humiliation that his once best friend, Blake can spew so easily from his mouth. But, as hurtful it is to hear, so too is that beacon of hope that a friendship as strong as theirs can somehow be salvaged and restored. 'Be proud of who you are, Hector Griggs, and one day the rest of the world will catch up.' 🥺 It is a strong message that prevails throughout - that words are truly only skin deep. That no matter how cruel they may be, true strength and courage rests in rising above it and not allowing it to cut through. Hector fought back - he didn't stay the helpless victim he was at the start; that understanding made him have the courage to face his demons - both the literal and in the figurative sense. 🙏🏻
As I neared the end, it slowly dawned on me that a lot more reveals were happening, rather than wrapping up. And at the conclusion, it became clear that there was in fact going to be a sequel, with this being the start of a new series. For with certain lingering questions left unanswered, and the possibility of more development to new relationships forged, I will be looking forward to whenever Hector makes his return in the Kairos Files. 🌟
“Don’t ever let someone else’s insecurities stop you from following your heart.”
Shaun David Hutchinson's middle grade debut was much, much better than my first attempt with his work. It probably is no fault of his that his writing didn't quite work for me the first time around, but this was a very engaging, if not well-intended read that shows a unique take on being invisible - for almost the wrong reasons. 😞 For when twelve-year-old sixth grader Hector Griggs realizes he can suddenly turn invisible, he realizes that there seems to be a lot more mysterious if not dangerous schemes afoot at St. Lawrence’s Catholic School for Boys. That while he's not trying to stave off the cold demeanor of bullying torment from his once-best friend Blake, he meets another invisible boy, Orson, who shows him that under the guise of good intentions, there once norma school could actual be a The School for Invisible Boys.
“If I’m not invisible, then what am I?”
“Lost,” Orson said. “You’re where lost things go.”
It is a nice balance of paranormal activities and character development that has me invested in seeing what will happen next. With strange occurrences already afoot at his school, Hector's reaction to turning invisible was genuine, if not heartfelt, in the way he amused himself with the thrills of entertaining himself at others' expense, only to discover that he really isn't alone - in this mess. 😔 It is that prevailing mystery of what is the secret behind Orson being invisible as well, why no one seems to know who he is or this deadly creature that is terrorizing the school hallways that had me curious to see how it would all play out. With the assistance of another mysterious character, Sam, who seems to know a lot more than she's letting on, it becomes a fight for not only their lives - but to protect the safety of their schools and to prevent any other students from falling prey to the invisibility curse. 🤝🏻
“A smart boy like you could surely find a way to send a message to your tormentors that you aren’t to be trifled with.”
Hector is that character who made one blunder and it cost him his friendship. Hector is that young son who has a stepfather not too entirely fond of him. Hector is that lost soul who doesn't know what his place is in the world, if he's forever going to be tormented for being queer - every laugh and jeer that cuts deep within his heart. It is these little details that build up and make him an easy target - for wanting to stay in the shadows. And I think that is what really appealed to me. The dichotomy of what it means to be invisible - of being out of the spotlight is to avoid any unnecessary altercation or attract unwarranted attention - and that by staying invisible - is also a cause for attraction. 😣 That by being lost and forgotten can also make him a convenient prey for a monster that grows powerful by feeding off one's individual pain. It was a really unique approach and made me appreciate how cleverly it was done. 👏🏻
“I wished I could hate Blake, but I also wished I could have my best friend back. It was confusing to love someone so much and despise them at the same time.”
Even though the ending was a cross of Ghostbusters and Goosebumps united action front, I really enjoyed the friendships depicted. As cold as Blake was to Hector, it hurt, as well as moved me at how Hector never gave up on him. How he didn't shy away from being openly honest - if not vulnerable with the friend he's cared about for the longest time. That one foolish, if not ill-timed mistake on his part - which, honestly, wasn't, but that it could generate such a hurtful response - that inadvertently spiraled into - well, all of this... I felt for him. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 For how candid he was - about how sensitive he was to other's feelings, how openly willing and considerate and desperate it was to help Orson. 'Because this wasn’t just about winning. It was about surviving.' Orson - it is sad to think what happened to him - there was such a trace of sadness and loneliness to the other side - it hurt knowing that he was depending on Hector so much so, but couldn't pressure him. I liked seeing them work together with Sam. Their interactions fit their age, and I liked seeing them try to figure out how to break the so-called invisibility cloak so that they could finally demolish the danger threatening their school. 😥
“I didn’t believe that before, but I believe it now. The way we talk about ourselves matters, because words can be weapons, but they can also be shields.”
I have seen before how well Hutchinson illustrates how harmful bullying can be, and he depicts that as pivotally here. It is in the subtle words and jabs that can be vindictive and painful without meaning that really gets under your skin. It's shown in the way Hector feels the raw hurt and painful humiliation that his once best friend, Blake can spew so easily from his mouth. But, as hurtful it is to hear, so too is that beacon of hope that a friendship as strong as theirs can somehow be salvaged and restored. 'Be proud of who you are, Hector Griggs, and one day the rest of the world will catch up.' 🥺 It is a strong message that prevails throughout - that words are truly only skin deep. That no matter how cruel they may be, true strength and courage rests in rising above it and not allowing it to cut through. Hector fought back - he didn't stay the helpless victim he was at the start; that understanding made him have the courage to face his demons - both the literal and in the figurative sense. 🙏🏻
As I neared the end, it slowly dawned on me that a lot more reveals were happening, rather than wrapping up. And at the conclusion, it became clear that there was in fact going to be a sequel, with this being the start of a new series. For with certain lingering questions left unanswered, and the possibility of more development to new relationships forged, I will be looking forward to whenever Hector makes his return in the Kairos Files. 🌟
January 26, 2024
This was a great middle grade read. I absolutely love the cover of this book! This was such a well written story that I think many people can relate to, adults and middle graders alike. I really enjoyed this paranormal fantasy.
July 22, 2024
This is a middle school suppressed-kid book. It had some slightly dark paranormal pieces, but you just knew the 11 year old Hector would triumph. The lgbtq was present, but it was just another of the character traits (like Orson, a black student) that causes kids to get bullied or overlooked.
All kids feel invisible in their middle school years. They compare themselves to their peers and feel they are being left behind (sports, social, boy/girl-friend, music, etc). I did like how this story acknowledged this universal mind-set of the pre-teen.
Hector's best friend, Blake, doesn't want to be his boyfriend. And the unseen monster at the school knows when a kid is feeling their worst. Kinda dark storyline here that can be its own enemy against the target readers. I thought this was a bit strong with the gruesome invisible monster. I started getting worried there must be multiple teachers involved in this since missing students weren't remembered.
Hector's stepdad and two older stepbrothers aren't on the same wavelength as Hector so both his home and school life is taking a bit of a beating.
The ending wrapped up a bit quick. There were a handful of plot holes that felt too unrealistic, even in a fantasy story.
The typical lgbtq theme seen in other Shaun books I've read was lacking positivity. Hector seemed cool. But he took a lot of crap (due to the monster) about being a f** (they used 'freak', but always with the connotation/understanding that the f** slur was meant).
The 'cupcake' table really didn't have other lgbtq kids. Just the misfit group that often tend to be pretty cool, smart, but introverted kids that just don't get picked for the kickball team in the first round.
Easy 3.5* for me.
I can't quite round up though. The harshness for the pre-teen reader and plot-holes needed more polishing for me.
All kids feel invisible in their middle school years. They compare themselves to their peers and feel they are being left behind (sports, social, boy/girl-friend, music, etc). I did like how this story acknowledged this universal mind-set of the pre-teen.
Hector's best friend, Blake, doesn't want to be his boyfriend. And the unseen monster at the school knows when a kid is feeling their worst. Kinda dark storyline here that can be its own enemy against the target readers. I thought this was a bit strong with the gruesome invisible monster. I started getting worried there must be multiple teachers involved in this since missing students weren't remembered.
Hector's stepdad and two older stepbrothers aren't on the same wavelength as Hector so both his home and school life is taking a bit of a beating.
The ending wrapped up a bit quick. There were a handful of plot holes that felt too unrealistic, even in a fantasy story.
The typical lgbtq theme seen in other Shaun books I've read was lacking positivity. Hector seemed cool. But he took a lot of crap (due to the monster) about being a f** (they used 'freak', but always with the connotation/understanding that the f** slur was meant).
The 'cupcake' table really didn't have other lgbtq kids. Just the misfit group that often tend to be pretty cool, smart, but introverted kids that just don't get picked for the kickball team in the first round.
Easy 3.5* for me.
I can't quite round up though. The harshness for the pre-teen reader and plot-holes needed more polishing for me.
May 28, 2024
I think this might be my favorite Shaun David Hutchinson book. It's a middle grade about a boy who starts feeling invisible and then one day he actually turns invisible. As he is figuring out his new supposed superpower, he meets another invisible boy but that boy has been lost and is running from a monster creature that is trying to eat them at the school. Our main character learns that maybe there are things scarier than bullies. I really liked the setup for this to be a series and I look forward to reading the next book. I had a couple issues with it but nothing serious honestly. I love a good redemption arc and I love friendship stories.
September 5, 2024
I absolutely loved this middle grade novel. It was spooky but it had some very heart-warming moments. It tackled the themes of bullying and not fitting in with a great care and sensitivity and it had a nice cast of characters. A very enjoyable read! 🥰
August 19, 2023
I think all of us have felt invisible at some point in our lives. Some people would rather be invisible than face the reality of middle school! The School for Invisible Boys has a little something that every middle schooler can relate to. Shaun David Hutchinson has tackled a plethora of middle school problems from bullying - to cliques - to sexual orientation. This book is well written, has humor, and the characters are relatable and likeable. It also includes that scary vibe that a lot of kids this age crave. It had me cheering for them from the beginning!
What would you do if no one could see you? In this surreal adventure, a boy who is used to being overlooked literally becomes invisible, only to realize there may be far more dangerous threats in his school than bullies.
Sixth grade takes a turn for the weird when Hector Griggs discovers he has the ability to turn invisible. Sure, ever since Hector’s former best friend Blake started bullying him, he’s been feeling like he just wants to disappear…but he never thought he actually would. And then, Hector meets another invisible boy, Orson Wellington, who has an ominous “I’m stuck here. Stuck like this. It’s been years. The gelim’s hunting me and it’ll get you, too.”
It turns out, there is more than meets the eye at St. Lawrence’s Catholic School for Boys, and if Hector is going to save Orson--and himself—from the terrifying creature preying on students’ loneliness and fear, he’ll need to look deeper. With the help of a mysterious new classmate, Sam, can Hector unravel the mysteries haunting his school, and discover that sometimes it takes disappearing to really be seen?
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
What would you do if no one could see you? In this surreal adventure, a boy who is used to being overlooked literally becomes invisible, only to realize there may be far more dangerous threats in his school than bullies.
Sixth grade takes a turn for the weird when Hector Griggs discovers he has the ability to turn invisible. Sure, ever since Hector’s former best friend Blake started bullying him, he’s been feeling like he just wants to disappear…but he never thought he actually would. And then, Hector meets another invisible boy, Orson Wellington, who has an ominous “I’m stuck here. Stuck like this. It’s been years. The gelim’s hunting me and it’ll get you, too.”
It turns out, there is more than meets the eye at St. Lawrence’s Catholic School for Boys, and if Hector is going to save Orson--and himself—from the terrifying creature preying on students’ loneliness and fear, he’ll need to look deeper. With the help of a mysterious new classmate, Sam, can Hector unravel the mysteries haunting his school, and discover that sometimes it takes disappearing to really be seen?
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 4, 2023
SDH is an autobuy author for me. Yes, even if it's middlegrade and even if I've got an ARC.
rtk but did not disappoint.
rtk but did not disappoint.
June 13, 2025
The School for Invisible Boys is told from the point of view of 6th grade Hector, a student at an all boys Catholic school who recently exploded his life by asking his best friend, Blake, to be his boyfriend, getting rejected and called a homophobic slur (THE homophobic slur), then setting said ex-best-friend’s science project on fire as revenge. Blake is now out to get Hector, both physically and verbally, and is not the same best friend Hector used to know. Hector is hurt and confused by Blake’s sudden transformation and he begins to notice there are strange and supernatural elements at play that might have something to do with it. He soon discovers a special ability to turn invisible at will, which would be cool, except the invisible world is inhabited by a monster who seeks to devour lost and lonely students like himself. He meets a lost and forgotten boy named Orson, and with the help of his mysterious and cool new friend Sam (a girl, though no one else seems to realize this), he seeks to rescue Orson, defeat the monster, get back his best friend, all before missing the last bell for class.
This book would likely make a great read aloud in a middle grades classroom because it has all the elements of a page turner that makes kids go “one more chapter” whenever you threaten to stop. There are powers, mysteries to solve, humor, and above all a story of friendship, courage, self acceptance, and community. One issue that might be tricky in a classroom setting is the homophobic slur that keeps getting mentioned. The author never comes out and says the word, substituting “freak” instead but letting the reader know clearly that it was the OTHER F word that was actually said; However, it will only be natural for students to wonder what the “real” word is and they may be exposed to a slur that they have not heard before or don’t have experience with yet. Teachers need to be prepared to face those discussions with sensitivity and communicate with families about the sensitive topic and questions that will be coming home. Even if not used as a read aloud, this would make a great book to keep on the shelf of the classroom library for the great story, lovable characters, positive themes of embracing your differences and loving yourself, and the inclusion and representation it can provide for LGBTQ+ kids and families. I personally will be checking out the next book in the series as soon as I can!
This book would likely make a great read aloud in a middle grades classroom because it has all the elements of a page turner that makes kids go “one more chapter” whenever you threaten to stop. There are powers, mysteries to solve, humor, and above all a story of friendship, courage, self acceptance, and community. One issue that might be tricky in a classroom setting is the homophobic slur that keeps getting mentioned. The author never comes out and says the word, substituting “freak” instead but letting the reader know clearly that it was the OTHER F word that was actually said; However, it will only be natural for students to wonder what the “real” word is and they may be exposed to a slur that they have not heard before or don’t have experience with yet. Teachers need to be prepared to face those discussions with sensitivity and communicate with families about the sensitive topic and questions that will be coming home. Even if not used as a read aloud, this would make a great book to keep on the shelf of the classroom library for the great story, lovable characters, positive themes of embracing your differences and loving yourself, and the inclusion and representation it can provide for LGBTQ+ kids and families. I personally will be checking out the next book in the series as soon as I can!
February 9, 2024
✨ Review ✨ The School for Invisible Boys by Shaun David Hutchinson; Narrated by Mark Sanderlin
"What would you do if no one could see you? In this surreal adventure, a boy who is used to being overlooked literally becomes invisible, only to realize there may be far more dangerous threats in his school than bullies."
Hector's a sixth-grader struggling through a series of life changes -- his mom just got remarried to a police officer with two sons and so he now has two older step-brothers, he lost his best friend after asking him to be his boyfriend, and just is struggling in a school where he doesn't stand out or feel like he belongs.
When he stumbles on another world, an invisible world, where he meets Orson, a lost boy, and a strange monster, Hector has to try to figure out how to help Orson without losing himself.
A story about belonging and bullies, being different and trying to fit in, friendship and families, this book really delves into these big feelings while exploring a magical parallel world. I loved the messaging here, and the queer representation in a middle grades book!
The audio was pretty good and added positively to the experience -- I read both in audio and book form, and my 10yo is also reading along!
(content notes: there is lots of bullying and preteen unkindness in the book, Hector's former bff repeatedly calls him names (f**) which the book replaces with freak).
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: middle grades fantasy/horror, LGBTQ representation
Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins
Pub Date: 06 Feb 2024
Read this if you like:
⭕️ middle grades fantasy in real world settings
⭕️ stories of kids feeling different finding their place in the world
⭕️ mysterious magic
⭕️ queer representation
Thanks to Random House Children's, Labyrinth Road, TBR and Beyond, PRHAudio and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!
"What would you do if no one could see you? In this surreal adventure, a boy who is used to being overlooked literally becomes invisible, only to realize there may be far more dangerous threats in his school than bullies."
Hector's a sixth-grader struggling through a series of life changes -- his mom just got remarried to a police officer with two sons and so he now has two older step-brothers, he lost his best friend after asking him to be his boyfriend, and just is struggling in a school where he doesn't stand out or feel like he belongs.
When he stumbles on another world, an invisible world, where he meets Orson, a lost boy, and a strange monster, Hector has to try to figure out how to help Orson without losing himself.
A story about belonging and bullies, being different and trying to fit in, friendship and families, this book really delves into these big feelings while exploring a magical parallel world. I loved the messaging here, and the queer representation in a middle grades book!
The audio was pretty good and added positively to the experience -- I read both in audio and book form, and my 10yo is also reading along!
(content notes: there is lots of bullying and preteen unkindness in the book, Hector's former bff repeatedly calls him names (f**) which the book replaces with freak).
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: middle grades fantasy/horror, LGBTQ representation
Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins
Pub Date: 06 Feb 2024
Read this if you like:
⭕️ middle grades fantasy in real world settings
⭕️ stories of kids feeling different finding their place in the world
⭕️ mysterious magic
⭕️ queer representation
Thanks to Random House Children's, Labyrinth Road, TBR and Beyond, PRHAudio and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!
June 4, 2024
This is a little bit adventure, a little bit horror, a little bit superhero, and a lot of heart.
Hector’s best friend is now his biggest bully, and one day while hiding from him Hector wishes so hard not to be seen that he accidentally turns invisible.
There is a creepy monster in here, but it’s still pretty low on horror/scare factor. I actually think the systematic bullying and constantly being overlooked by his family would be more triggering. There’s some good messages in here though, and it’s definitely a happy for now sort of ending.
The very end sets this up for a series, but there’s not a huge amount previously to shift this into super secret monster fighters. A few trickled bits, but it really doesn’t reveal much.
I can see this really appealing to kids in the target age group. Think a bullied LGBT Zac Power at a haunted school and only a walkie talkie to rely on. That is what you’re in for.
Hector’s best friend is now his biggest bully, and one day while hiding from him Hector wishes so hard not to be seen that he accidentally turns invisible.
There is a creepy monster in here, but it’s still pretty low on horror/scare factor. I actually think the systematic bullying and constantly being overlooked by his family would be more triggering. There’s some good messages in here though, and it’s definitely a happy for now sort of ending.
The very end sets this up for a series, but there’s not a huge amount previously to shift this into super secret monster fighters. A few trickled bits, but it really doesn’t reveal much.
I can see this really appealing to kids in the target age group. Think a bullied LGBT Zac Power at a haunted school and only a walkie talkie to rely on. That is what you’re in for.
June 13, 2025
3'5 ⭐
No me esperaba para nada la historia de este libro . Iba con una idea muy distinta , y creo que eso es lo que me ha mantenido enganchada todo el tiempo .
-Hector es un chico que nos puede representar a muchos de nosotros. Hay momentos en los que he sentido mucha pena por él, y he conectado mucho con sus sentimientos. Los expresa muy bien , y eso te ayuda a conocerlo y saber por lo que está pasando .
Tiene muchas reflexiones muy bonitas . Creo que es una historia que para personas más jóvenes puede ser muy buena de leer , ya que habla de la soledad , la amistad o el sentirse invisible ante los demás .
Una historia real camuflada en fantasía , que recomiendo mucho leer.
P.D. el final me dejó con la boca abierta.
No me esperaba para nada la historia de este libro . Iba con una idea muy distinta , y creo que eso es lo que me ha mantenido enganchada todo el tiempo .
-Hector es un chico que nos puede representar a muchos de nosotros. Hay momentos en los que he sentido mucha pena por él, y he conectado mucho con sus sentimientos. Los expresa muy bien , y eso te ayuda a conocerlo y saber por lo que está pasando .
Tiene muchas reflexiones muy bonitas . Creo que es una historia que para personas más jóvenes puede ser muy buena de leer , ya que habla de la soledad , la amistad o el sentirse invisible ante los demás .
Una historia real camuflada en fantasía , que recomiendo mucho leer.
P.D. el final me dejó con la boca abierta.
May 14, 2024
What a great find this was! An exciting paranormal story with magical powers, old and new friends, fitting in with a blended family, and LGBTQ+ rep. I liked the mystery surrounding the monster and missing boys and how the kids were able to work together to figure things out. I hope there's a sequel in the works!
May 27, 2024
The School for Invisible Boys
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (4/5) or 8.57/10 overall
Characters - 8
Atmosphere - 9
Writing - 8
Plot - 9
Intrigue - 9
Logic - 8
Enjoyment - 9
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (4/5) or 8.57/10 overall
Characters - 8
Atmosphere - 9
Writing - 8
Plot - 9
Intrigue - 9
Logic - 8
Enjoyment - 9
August 10, 2024
I really enjoyed Hector’s story! I never totally guessed what was going on, and the ending was definitely satisfying. This would make a great serialized show! I liked the surprise series kickoff at the end as well. I would enjoy spending more time in this universe!
December 31, 2024
This book is about middle school children, but as an adult, I enjoyed every single second of reading this book. It had me hooked from beginning to end. Especially that last sentence! The way I gasped.
Really, really glad I took a chance on this. After finishing Shaun David Hutchinson’s memoir, I had looked through his published books to read something else, and there was something about the blurb for The School for Invisible Boys that pulled me in. I can’t quite explain the magic this book has. It just makes you feel seen. I find now that when I read or watch stories with such important LGBTQIA+ characters it heals a part of my inner child. I’m so glad that the world now has these books, these characters and these authors that share their stories.
Last but not least, I just have to say that this book has such Stranger Things and Men In Black vibes. Just calmer and friendlier.
Looking forward to the next book. Should be very interesting.
Really, really glad I took a chance on this. After finishing Shaun David Hutchinson’s memoir, I had looked through his published books to read something else, and there was something about the blurb for The School for Invisible Boys that pulled me in. I can’t quite explain the magic this book has. It just makes you feel seen. I find now that when I read or watch stories with such important LGBTQIA+ characters it heals a part of my inner child. I’m so glad that the world now has these books, these characters and these authors that share their stories.
Last but not least, I just have to say that this book has such Stranger Things and Men In Black vibes. Just calmer and friendlier.
Looking forward to the next book. Should be very interesting.
February 25, 2024
I've loved all of Shaun David Hutchinson's YA books and now I loove his first middle grade novel!
July 29, 2023
This book was really good! I loved how it combined real world problems and ideas with fantasy and science fiction. It was so funny to find out that one of the main characters was a girl and no one could see! I also really enjoyed the plot twist at the end!
April 25, 2024
Eleven-year-old sixth grader Hector Griggs—named for the legendary hero featured in Homer's Iliad, set against the Trojan War (Troy vs. the Greeks)— is immediately confronted with two dilemmas: his best friend Blake now hates him after Hector asks him to be his boyfriend and Hector encounters the ghost of St. Lawrence's Catholic School for Boys. Hector is too ashamed to discuss either situation with friends, family or teachers. Set in Florida, Hector lives in a blended family and in case he doesn't have enough to deal with, now he has added to his list of bad things in his life.
Blake is now best friends with very strange Conrad and has revealed Hector's big question to the school. Blake beats Hector up with the help of his new eighth grade friends whenever he sees him on the school campus. In running and hiding in the clergy house where the ghost is said to reside, Hector has the scare of his life. Not only can he will himself to become invisible, but when he does, he is in another dimension where people and things that are lost can be found.
This is where Hector first meets one of the ghosts of the school. "My name is Orson Wellington. You have to help me." He spoke so quickly that his words rammed into each other like bumper cars. "I'm stuck here. Stuck like this. It's been years. The gelim's hunting me and it'll get you, too—" He looked over his shoulder. "I have to go!" The boy ran.
Hector meets Samantha Osborne (Sam) the niece of the school librarian, disguising herself as a boy to be allowed to attend the school for boys. The two become fast friends. Hector confides in Sam and the two begin to investigate the school's history of missing or unaccounted for students. Hector vows that he will free Orson from his terror and imprisonment in this secret dimension.
Gelim is an old Irish word meaning 'I consume' or 'I devour.' The multi-headed, multi-fanged, smelly creature traps unsuspecting, lonely boys at the school and feeds off their energy. Literally running for their lives, the gelim leads the trio on a wild chase. Sam mentions Kairos, a secret organization, but cannot give out any details. A plan is hatched to lure the creature into a trap in the school cafeteria where the older students are waiting to eliminate this horror from their school.
Contradictions abound. Suspicions run rampant. Are things as they seem? Is the gelim one of the teachers who has the ability to transform from human to creature to feed their depraved appetite? Is Sam's uncle part of a conspiracy with Sam acting as a foil? Can Kairos succeed in ridding the school of this creature's power?
Hector and Blake are back on track at the end. The message being that we're all different and should be accepted for whom we are. Hector's family situation works itself out. A fun story for middle grade readers. The ending leaves room for a series to follow and since this is Book 1, the reader can expect much more from the Kairos Files series.
Please let me know your thoughts. I'd love to hear from you. You can email me at elainewrites@earthlink.ne
I wish you all a life inspired by the wonder of the world around us. May you find and live your truth, in harmony with people, nature and the environment. May you be a force for good and a source of love and comfort. May the world be a better place for you having lived and loved here.
All rights reserved 2024
Blake is now best friends with very strange Conrad and has revealed Hector's big question to the school. Blake beats Hector up with the help of his new eighth grade friends whenever he sees him on the school campus. In running and hiding in the clergy house where the ghost is said to reside, Hector has the scare of his life. Not only can he will himself to become invisible, but when he does, he is in another dimension where people and things that are lost can be found.
This is where Hector first meets one of the ghosts of the school. "My name is Orson Wellington. You have to help me." He spoke so quickly that his words rammed into each other like bumper cars. "I'm stuck here. Stuck like this. It's been years. The gelim's hunting me and it'll get you, too—" He looked over his shoulder. "I have to go!" The boy ran.
Hector meets Samantha Osborne (Sam) the niece of the school librarian, disguising herself as a boy to be allowed to attend the school for boys. The two become fast friends. Hector confides in Sam and the two begin to investigate the school's history of missing or unaccounted for students. Hector vows that he will free Orson from his terror and imprisonment in this secret dimension.
Gelim is an old Irish word meaning 'I consume' or 'I devour.' The multi-headed, multi-fanged, smelly creature traps unsuspecting, lonely boys at the school and feeds off their energy. Literally running for their lives, the gelim leads the trio on a wild chase. Sam mentions Kairos, a secret organization, but cannot give out any details. A plan is hatched to lure the creature into a trap in the school cafeteria where the older students are waiting to eliminate this horror from their school.
Contradictions abound. Suspicions run rampant. Are things as they seem? Is the gelim one of the teachers who has the ability to transform from human to creature to feed their depraved appetite? Is Sam's uncle part of a conspiracy with Sam acting as a foil? Can Kairos succeed in ridding the school of this creature's power?
Hector and Blake are back on track at the end. The message being that we're all different and should be accepted for whom we are. Hector's family situation works itself out. A fun story for middle grade readers. The ending leaves room for a series to follow and since this is Book 1, the reader can expect much more from the Kairos Files series.
Please let me know your thoughts. I'd love to hear from you. You can email me at elainewrites@earthlink.ne
I wish you all a life inspired by the wonder of the world around us. May you find and live your truth, in harmony with people, nature and the environment. May you be a force for good and a source of love and comfort. May the world be a better place for you having lived and loved here.
All rights reserved 2024
January 25, 2024
***Thank you to Labyrinth Road for providing a copy of The School for Invisible Boys via NetGalley. My review contains my honest thoughts about my reading experience.***
I don't read much middle grade literature, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read this middle grade debut by one of my favorite YA authors. The School for Invisible Boys was such a great story with important themes, lovable characters, and compulsively readable prose. I rarely wanted to put this book down and craved even more of it by the end. I can only hope that this will turn into a series.
The School for Invisible Boys was exactly the type of story I would have loved as a kid. It was full of cool powers, mysteries, and monsters. Things weren't quite what they seemed in the beginning, and I had a lot of fun navigating the twists and turns as the characters uncovered the truth of the situation. The plot struck a good balance between the fantasy elements of the story and the impacts of the family and friendship dynamics on the main character's adventure. My only complaint is that Hector got over his friend's horrible behavior a little too quickly, but that could just be my age clouding expectations for the characters.
The main character in The School for Invisible Boys, Hector, felt ripped straight from my past experiences. He was nerdy, sensitive, and didn't really fit the mold of what a boy 'should be.' He didn't like sports and used the library as a refuge. He was also queer. His isolation and feelings of otherness broke my heart because I related so strongly to his struggles and was transported right back to my own school library from all those years ago. I appreciated how he never lost sight of himself, though, and the story portrayed his sensitivity as a superpower, which was so awesome. I truly hope Hector's arc inspires so many young boys to embrace who they are.
I appreciated the messages and themes in The School for Invisible Boys. The story highlighted how damaging bullying can be, but it also illustrated that bullying itself can be insidious and not always overtly obvious. It showed how words and jokes that seem like fun can be hurtful and leave lasting scars, which is an important thing for kids this age to learn because middle school can be vicious. I also loved how the monster was used to portray how bullying feeds on a cycle of fear and disparaging others for their differences. There were just so many great messages in this book, and I think kids will learn a lot from reading it while also having a great time.
Overall, The School for Invisible Boys was a solid middle grade debut for Hutchinson. It had a great plot, relatable characters, and impactful themes. I wish I'd had access to a book like this in middle school. Seeing this representation in such a fun way would likely have helped me accept myself a lot sooner. With all this in mind, I rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.
See more of my reviews and other bookish content on my blog.
I don't read much middle grade literature, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read this middle grade debut by one of my favorite YA authors. The School for Invisible Boys was such a great story with important themes, lovable characters, and compulsively readable prose. I rarely wanted to put this book down and craved even more of it by the end. I can only hope that this will turn into a series.
The School for Invisible Boys was exactly the type of story I would have loved as a kid. It was full of cool powers, mysteries, and monsters. Things weren't quite what they seemed in the beginning, and I had a lot of fun navigating the twists and turns as the characters uncovered the truth of the situation. The plot struck a good balance between the fantasy elements of the story and the impacts of the family and friendship dynamics on the main character's adventure. My only complaint is that Hector got over his friend's horrible behavior a little too quickly, but that could just be my age clouding expectations for the characters.
The main character in The School for Invisible Boys, Hector, felt ripped straight from my past experiences. He was nerdy, sensitive, and didn't really fit the mold of what a boy 'should be.' He didn't like sports and used the library as a refuge. He was also queer. His isolation and feelings of otherness broke my heart because I related so strongly to his struggles and was transported right back to my own school library from all those years ago. I appreciated how he never lost sight of himself, though, and the story portrayed his sensitivity as a superpower, which was so awesome. I truly hope Hector's arc inspires so many young boys to embrace who they are.
I appreciated the messages and themes in The School for Invisible Boys. The story highlighted how damaging bullying can be, but it also illustrated that bullying itself can be insidious and not always overtly obvious. It showed how words and jokes that seem like fun can be hurtful and leave lasting scars, which is an important thing for kids this age to learn because middle school can be vicious. I also loved how the monster was used to portray how bullying feeds on a cycle of fear and disparaging others for their differences. There were just so many great messages in this book, and I think kids will learn a lot from reading it while also having a great time.
Overall, The School for Invisible Boys was a solid middle grade debut for Hutchinson. It had a great plot, relatable characters, and impactful themes. I wish I'd had access to a book like this in middle school. Seeing this representation in such a fun way would likely have helped me accept myself a lot sooner. With all this in mind, I rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.
See more of my reviews and other bookish content on my blog.
August 29, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Hector is having some interpersonal problems in several areas of his life; his step father and two step brothers, Jason and Lee, are very much into sports. It is also because of the step brothers that Hector has to attend a Catholic school, St. Lawrence's. He's been best friend with Blake for a while, but once Hector asked if Blake would be his boyfriend, Blake has been very mean. This severs Hector from his entire friend group, and he has to eat lunch with a group of misfits known as "the cupcakes". When Blake and his new evil friend Conrad are chasing him around the school with the intent of beating him up, Hector makes the startling discovery that he can turn invisible. He practices with this, and finds that with some effort, he can do this at will. He also meets another boy who is invisible, Orson Wellington. Hector asks the school librarian, Mr. Morhill, for information about the school, and meets his nephew, Sam, who is a girl. This should be quite a shock at an all boys' school, but Sam seems to be able to fly under the radar. In addition to meeting Orson, Hector has come into contact with a tentacled monster inhabiting the school. Orson calls this the "gelim" and the two start to wonder if the monster is affecting Blake. It is a bit odd that Blake was so put out by Hector's admission, especially since he is being raised by two mothers, but the abuse only escalates. How are Orson, the monster, and his classmates bad behavior all tied in to the mysterious history of the school?
Strengths: Being invisible is a superpower that many middle school students would like to have, and it is used to good effect in this story. Private schools are also appealing to my readers in a larger public school, and the idea of an entire abandoned and haunted building on campus is interesting. There are some long time teachers with interesting backstories who are used well in the plot. The interpersonal dynamics between Hector and Blake are some that I haven't seen much in middle grade literature; how does a relationship between same sex friends change if one of the friends introduces an unwelcome element of romance? Blake's reaction is unfortunately common (he repeatedly calls Hector "freak", but the understanding is that another, more hurtful, word is used), but the ending explains this a bit more. The author's note at the end mentions that he was greatly inspired by L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time as well as the work of John Bellairs, and this did have a vintage feel to it.
Weaknesses: I would have liked it if the powers of invisibility were used more, but they were part of the story more for allergorical reasons.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Oshiro's The Insiders or Howard's The Visitors.
Hector is having some interpersonal problems in several areas of his life; his step father and two step brothers, Jason and Lee, are very much into sports. It is also because of the step brothers that Hector has to attend a Catholic school, St. Lawrence's. He's been best friend with Blake for a while, but once Hector asked if Blake would be his boyfriend, Blake has been very mean. This severs Hector from his entire friend group, and he has to eat lunch with a group of misfits known as "the cupcakes". When Blake and his new evil friend Conrad are chasing him around the school with the intent of beating him up, Hector makes the startling discovery that he can turn invisible. He practices with this, and finds that with some effort, he can do this at will. He also meets another boy who is invisible, Orson Wellington. Hector asks the school librarian, Mr. Morhill, for information about the school, and meets his nephew, Sam, who is a girl. This should be quite a shock at an all boys' school, but Sam seems to be able to fly under the radar. In addition to meeting Orson, Hector has come into contact with a tentacled monster inhabiting the school. Orson calls this the "gelim" and the two start to wonder if the monster is affecting Blake. It is a bit odd that Blake was so put out by Hector's admission, especially since he is being raised by two mothers, but the abuse only escalates. How are Orson, the monster, and his classmates bad behavior all tied in to the mysterious history of the school?
Strengths: Being invisible is a superpower that many middle school students would like to have, and it is used to good effect in this story. Private schools are also appealing to my readers in a larger public school, and the idea of an entire abandoned and haunted building on campus is interesting. There are some long time teachers with interesting backstories who are used well in the plot. The interpersonal dynamics between Hector and Blake are some that I haven't seen much in middle grade literature; how does a relationship between same sex friends change if one of the friends introduces an unwelcome element of romance? Blake's reaction is unfortunately common (he repeatedly calls Hector "freak", but the understanding is that another, more hurtful, word is used), but the ending explains this a bit more. The author's note at the end mentions that he was greatly inspired by L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time as well as the work of John Bellairs, and this did have a vintage feel to it.
Weaknesses: I would have liked it if the powers of invisibility were used more, but they were part of the story more for allergorical reasons.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Oshiro's The Insiders or Howard's The Visitors.
June 17, 2025
Kindness and empathy is medicine for prejudice and misunderstanding. The story is set mostly at the St. Lawrence School for Boys, a Catholic private school. Mainly told from the perspective of a sixth-grader named Hector who finds himself being the victim of bullying by his once best friend Blake. The story has many twists and turns as it unfolds the reader will find the unraveling of the plot thrilling. Why would one’s best friend suddenly become so angry with them to the point where physical violence is used? What Hector did to his best friend that caused a major rift in their friendship creates a social issue that many teenagers find taboo today and very difficult to even discuss with their own parents.
The story is well written for a middle school audience. My critique is two-fold; on the one hand I find the book intriguing, but on the other hand I find the book may face some serious backlash from people not ready for the themes presented in this book. As an ELA teacher of eighth grade students in the past, I remember catching heat from some parents for reading Night by Elie Wiesel and that book was REAL and discussed REAL life historical events of the atrocities Jewish people endured during the holocaust. If a book like that could place teachers on the fence for reading it with their students, then this fictional book that covers many very controversial topics should certainly require some parental permission before recommendation to a middle school pupil. For example, Hector causes a rift with his best friend whom he adores by saying the following words, “Blake I want you to be my boyfriend.” From that point forward Hector goes through hell for revealing such a very honest personal feeling he had for his friend. When reading the book you can definitely hear the voice of a middle school kid and it generates many feelings of empathy for the main character; while at the same time it angers you because you wish you could just sit him down and counsel him. The book can carry many cliches as far as how parents deal with the issues their kids have. Hector’s mother wasn’t able to immediate determine that her son has a crush on someone or that his issues in school needs to be dug into deeper. I would recommend this book to a teacher who specializes in teaching students who are more likely to have some similar issues as what is shown by the main character of this book.
The story is well written for a middle school audience. My critique is two-fold; on the one hand I find the book intriguing, but on the other hand I find the book may face some serious backlash from people not ready for the themes presented in this book. As an ELA teacher of eighth grade students in the past, I remember catching heat from some parents for reading Night by Elie Wiesel and that book was REAL and discussed REAL life historical events of the atrocities Jewish people endured during the holocaust. If a book like that could place teachers on the fence for reading it with their students, then this fictional book that covers many very controversial topics should certainly require some parental permission before recommendation to a middle school pupil. For example, Hector causes a rift with his best friend whom he adores by saying the following words, “Blake I want you to be my boyfriend.” From that point forward Hector goes through hell for revealing such a very honest personal feeling he had for his friend. When reading the book you can definitely hear the voice of a middle school kid and it generates many feelings of empathy for the main character; while at the same time it angers you because you wish you could just sit him down and counsel him. The book can carry many cliches as far as how parents deal with the issues their kids have. Hector’s mother wasn’t able to immediate determine that her son has a crush on someone or that his issues in school needs to be dug into deeper. I would recommend this book to a teacher who specializes in teaching students who are more likely to have some similar issues as what is shown by the main character of this book.
February 11, 2024
I read many middle-grade books last year, and I started loving them. This middle-grade novel, "The School for Invisible Boys" by Shaun David Hutchinson, is way more interesting and thrilling than the MG books I read before.
Hector, a sixth-grade kid, finds out accidentally that he can turn invisible. He started exploring his powers and found another invisible boy, Orson, whom Hector had never seen in his school before. Hector started digging for the truth about Orson and found out something terrible.
The plot starts with Hector trying to find ways to save Orson from where he was trapped. Hector was such a sweet boy, but so many bad things happened to him. His stepdad and stepbrother didn't treat him well, and his best friend, Blake, turned out to be the worst bully in his school. The author's way of expressing the pain Hector was going through was very well executed.
The interesting thing about this book is that it was engaging until the very end. Usually, the middle-grade books I have read had good messages, but they didn't have the thrill this one has. I am not saying those are bad, but I haven't read this sort of thrill in MG novels mostly in YA novels.
The character development of every character was amazing at the end. It was all so gradual and made sense. For instance, Hector's brother, Jason, didn't treat him well at the beginning of the story, but then, nearing the end, he was protective. It shows that he loved Hector all along but never expressed himself.
The climax was good. I definitely didn't see the twist coming. Also, I loved how the author ended the story. The cover and the title couldn't be more perfect for the story.
"The School for Invisible Boys" gives Stranger Things vibes for sure. Overall, this is such an amazing fantasy thriller story with significant themes.
Hector, a sixth-grade kid, finds out accidentally that he can turn invisible. He started exploring his powers and found another invisible boy, Orson, whom Hector had never seen in his school before. Hector started digging for the truth about Orson and found out something terrible.
The plot starts with Hector trying to find ways to save Orson from where he was trapped. Hector was such a sweet boy, but so many bad things happened to him. His stepdad and stepbrother didn't treat him well, and his best friend, Blake, turned out to be the worst bully in his school. The author's way of expressing the pain Hector was going through was very well executed.
The interesting thing about this book is that it was engaging until the very end. Usually, the middle-grade books I have read had good messages, but they didn't have the thrill this one has. I am not saying those are bad, but I haven't read this sort of thrill in MG novels mostly in YA novels.
The character development of every character was amazing at the end. It was all so gradual and made sense. For instance, Hector's brother, Jason, didn't treat him well at the beginning of the story, but then, nearing the end, he was protective. It shows that he loved Hector all along but never expressed himself.
The climax was good. I definitely didn't see the twist coming. Also, I loved how the author ended the story. The cover and the title couldn't be more perfect for the story.
"The School for Invisible Boys" gives Stranger Things vibes for sure. Overall, this is such an amazing fantasy thriller story with significant themes.
April 6, 2025
I have so many mixed feelings! If I were to just consider the paranormal aspects, then this was a great book. It didn't talk down to its audience. There was lore, cool imagery and scenes that genuinely made you nervous. The monster was scary. And I liked the plot as a whole.
I also liked several of the characters. Hector for sure, who was such a sweet kid. And also Sam, Orson, Jason, the "cupcakes"... There were a bunch of cool characters that I really cared about.
The issues I had... And maybe I'm overreacting or overthinking here, but I didn't like some of the messaging that could be taken from the book. It was quite obvious that Hector didn't have as much of a voice in his home as his stepbrothers and stepfather. And his mother saying that it's because his stepbrothers weren't as special and sensitive as him and needed more attention than him... That's bullshit. You shouldn't have to put up with people being assholes just because you're more mature or something.
And then there was the thing with Blake, the former best friend. I can understand Hector not wanting to give up on his best friend because he's a kid who wants his friend back. But for all the adults, they basically told Hector to not give up the guy who's abusing him.
Now, I don't care how much you love someone, if they're hurting you, you need to distance yourself from them. If you think something's wrong or they're in trouble, you can help them, but not at the cost of yourself. It's not your job to fix people and stop them from hurting you. And all the adults in this book need to wake the hell up and stop making excuses for bullies!
Thinking about how much I disagree with certain aspects of this book makes me wonder if 3 stars is too generous. I did enjoy most of it. It's well-written, well-paced and interesting. And I understand the idea of not just villainizing bullies, instead seeing them as people who often just need support. But the kids they bully are under no obligation to cut them any slack. And I hate that the book asks Hector to be more patient rather than talking to the bullies. Hence the mixed feelings that I don't know how to deal with. We'll see how the sequel goes, I guess.
I also liked several of the characters. Hector for sure, who was such a sweet kid. And also Sam, Orson, Jason, the "cupcakes"... There were a bunch of cool characters that I really cared about.
The issues I had... And maybe I'm overreacting or overthinking here, but I didn't like some of the messaging that could be taken from the book. It was quite obvious that Hector didn't have as much of a voice in his home as his stepbrothers and stepfather. And his mother saying that it's because his stepbrothers weren't as special and sensitive as him and needed more attention than him... That's bullshit. You shouldn't have to put up with people being assholes just because you're more mature or something.
And then there was the thing with Blake, the former best friend. I can understand Hector not wanting to give up on his best friend because he's a kid who wants his friend back. But for all the adults, they basically told Hector to not give up the guy who's abusing him.
Now, I don't care how much you love someone, if they're hurting you, you need to distance yourself from them. If you think something's wrong or they're in trouble, you can help them, but not at the cost of yourself. It's not your job to fix people and stop them from hurting you. And all the adults in this book need to wake the hell up and stop making excuses for bullies!
Thinking about how much I disagree with certain aspects of this book makes me wonder if 3 stars is too generous. I did enjoy most of it. It's well-written, well-paced and interesting. And I understand the idea of not just villainizing bullies, instead seeing them as people who often just need support. But the kids they bully are under no obligation to cut them any slack. And I hate that the book asks Hector to be more patient rather than talking to the bullies. Hence the mixed feelings that I don't know how to deal with. We'll see how the sequel goes, I guess.
June 19, 2025
Sometimes disappearing is the only way to be seen. Sixth grader Hector Griggs spirals into invisibility, literally, after his former best friend Blake rejects his crush. Not only did Blake reject the crush, but also he began bullying Hector for it as well. Narrated in Hector’s voice, the story takes place at St. Lawrence’s Catholic School For Boys in Florida. After a very tense chase, Hector discovers an old church where he is able to make himself vanish, and enter into a parallel world. There, he meets a boy named Orson Wellington, another boy that is stuck in this invisible realm. Orson warns of a horrific creature called the gelim- a fear-feeding monster that hunts lonely boys. Alongside a new mysterious classmate, Hector uncovers secrets about the school , confronts the gelim, and tries to rescue Orson while understanding what visibility and connection really mean.
This read is powerful, emotional, and unapologetically real. I love how Hutchinson’s storytelling balances middle school drama, fantasy, and horror with emotional depth. Hector’s experience of his invisibility mirrors the experience of being overlooked and how bullying breaks more than just skin. The monster in this book is a scary metaphor for loneliness and fear. The friendship with Sam and Hector’s growth in claiming his own identity really got me in the feels. I totally relate to feeling invisible sometimes. I think Hector’s reconciliation with Blake did feel a bit rushed. But overall, the book’s message about speaking your truth even when it’s hard is perfect. I would absolutely recommend this to classmates who love a good mix of magic, metaphor, spooky vibes, and middle-grade heart. And yes, I am here for the Kairos Files Book 2!
This read is powerful, emotional, and unapologetically real. I love how Hutchinson’s storytelling balances middle school drama, fantasy, and horror with emotional depth. Hector’s experience of his invisibility mirrors the experience of being overlooked and how bullying breaks more than just skin. The monster in this book is a scary metaphor for loneliness and fear. The friendship with Sam and Hector’s growth in claiming his own identity really got me in the feels. I totally relate to feeling invisible sometimes. I think Hector’s reconciliation with Blake did feel a bit rushed. But overall, the book’s message about speaking your truth even when it’s hard is perfect. I would absolutely recommend this to classmates who love a good mix of magic, metaphor, spooky vibes, and middle-grade heart. And yes, I am here for the Kairos Files Book 2!
July 16, 2023
To be ignored, to have no friends, to be ostracized is like being invisible, but for Hector, he turns invisible for real. .He is there in his private school, and then he is not, and no one can see or hear him. It is certainly a good way to hide from bullies, one who used to be his best friend, but it is no way to live your life, so he doesn’t remain invisible.
This is not a book about a school that trains kids to be invisible. This is just an ordinary Catholic school for boys where every five years, a boy disappears and no one thinks anything of it.
And there is a monster that only attacks when he is invisible, and there is one other boy who is also there, but he can’t become visible, and he was been lost for three years.
So, Hector has many things he needs to do, save Orson, the boy that is invisible. Defeat the creature. And get his best friend to be his best friend again, who rejected him when he asked if they could be boyfriends, and Blake pushed back so hard he started calling him a three letter word that begins with “f” [Note this word is never used, just referred to].
And while the book concludes, there is a hint that this is the first in a series of adventures that Hector is going to face.
And I for one, am all for it. Great characters, truly one about the horrors of middle school, plus having a fear eating monster out there.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is being published the 6th of February 2024.
This is not a book about a school that trains kids to be invisible. This is just an ordinary Catholic school for boys where every five years, a boy disappears and no one thinks anything of it.
And there is a monster that only attacks when he is invisible, and there is one other boy who is also there, but he can’t become visible, and he was been lost for three years.
So, Hector has many things he needs to do, save Orson, the boy that is invisible. Defeat the creature. And get his best friend to be his best friend again, who rejected him when he asked if they could be boyfriends, and Blake pushed back so hard he started calling him a three letter word that begins with “f” [Note this word is never used, just referred to].
And while the book concludes, there is a hint that this is the first in a series of adventures that Hector is going to face.
And I for one, am all for it. Great characters, truly one about the horrors of middle school, plus having a fear eating monster out there.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is being published the 6th of February 2024.
February 12, 2024
This is a great first book into what I hope will become a much longer series. It would be a good story to have in library school shelves or classrooms. Would recommend this to any young reader or adult.
The main character Hector Griggs is a relatable protagonist. When the story opens up, you get a window into his life where his mom has remarried. He feels "unseen" and unheard by his new stepfather and stepbrothers and even his mother. As an adult, you can see how both parents are truly trying to be inclusive and supportive, but seeing this story through Hector's eyes, we can also see and empathize with his frustrations and feelings of abandonment.
As if that wasn't enough to deal with, Hector also deals with bullying and the loss of his best friend in school. This is a lot for a kid to deal with and things really captured my attention after "Chapter 4." We see Hector and his ex-best-friend, Blake, acting out in the chapters leading up to that one and you're not really sure why. But it makes sense after that point.
This is just the foundation of what turned out to be a fantasy adventure. I enjoyed both the students and the teachers in this. It was a great cast of characters.
The book also addressed how kids being called certain names truly hurt. And how having labels can also hurt but can also be "reclaimed" to not hurt you again. (I'm talking about all this in vague terms because I don't want to spoil the details—you'll just have to read it for yourself!) Hector said it best in this book: "The way we talk about ourselves matters, because words can be weapons, but they can also be shields."
The world-building of this story was also fantastic and just as it was getting good and building up to something deeper and bigger than "The School for Invisible Boys" was intended to be... it came to an end! I truly hope there will be more adventures added to The Kairos Files.
The main character Hector Griggs is a relatable protagonist. When the story opens up, you get a window into his life where his mom has remarried. He feels "unseen" and unheard by his new stepfather and stepbrothers and even his mother. As an adult, you can see how both parents are truly trying to be inclusive and supportive, but seeing this story through Hector's eyes, we can also see and empathize with his frustrations and feelings of abandonment.
As if that wasn't enough to deal with, Hector also deals with bullying and the loss of his best friend in school. This is a lot for a kid to deal with and things really captured my attention after "Chapter 4." We see Hector and his ex-best-friend, Blake, acting out in the chapters leading up to that one and you're not really sure why. But it makes sense after that point.
This is just the foundation of what turned out to be a fantasy adventure. I enjoyed both the students and the teachers in this. It was a great cast of characters.
The book also addressed how kids being called certain names truly hurt. And how having labels can also hurt but can also be "reclaimed" to not hurt you again. (I'm talking about all this in vague terms because I don't want to spoil the details—you'll just have to read it for yourself!) Hector said it best in this book: "The way we talk about ourselves matters, because words can be weapons, but they can also be shields."
The world-building of this story was also fantastic and just as it was getting good and building up to something deeper and bigger than "The School for Invisible Boys" was intended to be... it came to an end! I truly hope there will be more adventures added to The Kairos Files.
June 16, 2024
This book was heart warming and lightly scary all at the same time. The winners here are the characters and how they grow and interact with each other.
Literary Merit: 4/5 Every character is clearly developed and most go through some sort of growth or shift in perspective. The main character reads fairly young and is quite confident in himself especially for a middle schooler. While this is a positive message, it also felt unrealistic. On the more realistic end are the parents and sibling relationships. Those felt complicated and sincere in a manner that reflected real life. Plot-wise it felt more like a horror book than an adventure novel. Plenty of jump scares and gross descriptions with very little detail in create and executing a plan. The setting was fine, but I was left with questions that might be addressed in a sequel. I am all for the themes of loving yourself and reflecting on the impact of your actions, both of these were addressed in a way that makes it easily accessible to a younger audience.
Originality: 5/5 The horror aspect is a nice touch as are the characters and the rules of the lost place.
Accuracy: 5/5 The world is clearly setup and the magic and characters are consistent throughout.
Clarity: 4/5 I do have feelings like some things weren't clear like the bully and what he was and how none of the adults noticed someone who didn't age?
Total: 18/20
Age Range: PW 8-12 age, KR 9-12 age, BL grades 6-8
Literary Merit: 4/5 Every character is clearly developed and most go through some sort of growth or shift in perspective. The main character reads fairly young and is quite confident in himself especially for a middle schooler. While this is a positive message, it also felt unrealistic. On the more realistic end are the parents and sibling relationships. Those felt complicated and sincere in a manner that reflected real life. Plot-wise it felt more like a horror book than an adventure novel. Plenty of jump scares and gross descriptions with very little detail in create and executing a plan. The setting was fine, but I was left with questions that might be addressed in a sequel. I am all for the themes of loving yourself and reflecting on the impact of your actions, both of these were addressed in a way that makes it easily accessible to a younger audience.
Originality: 5/5 The horror aspect is a nice touch as are the characters and the rules of the lost place.
Accuracy: 5/5 The world is clearly setup and the magic and characters are consistent throughout.
Clarity: 4/5 I do have feelings like some things weren't clear like the bully and what he was and how none of the adults noticed someone who didn't age?
Total: 18/20
Age Range: PW 8-12 age, KR 9-12 age, BL grades 6-8
June 8, 2025
Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl, 2025-2026
The School for Invisible Boys is a middle grades book about the importance of kindness and the words we use but all shrouded as a scifi/fantasy story.
Hector and Blake are students at an all-boys Catholic school. Hector asks his best friend Blake to be his boyfriend. Blake responds negatively and calls him a homophobic slur (though the word is never actually said in the book, it’s pretty obvious what is intended). Hector responds by setting Blake’s science project on fire.
The story then moves into scifi/fantasy territory as (1) Hector develops the ability to disappear and (2) Hector learns that a tentacled monster is manipulating Blake.
This book reminded me of a kid’s version of N.K. Jemisin’s book about a tentacled monster making people act like bigots, The City We Became. Also, when there are kids running around a private school fighting monsters, it’s hard not to see Harry Potter lurking in the background.
The story is fine. I didn’t love it, but it teaches some valuable lessons about kindness and the importance of words. As a teacher in rural Georgia, I’m a bit concerned about how this book is going to go over for our reading bowl team. A boy makes his first attempt at a homosexual relationship, he’s rebuffed, and the monster creating vitriol is nested in the clergy house of the Catholic school. It’s not exactly a subtlenbookZ
The School for Invisible Boys is a middle grades book about the importance of kindness and the words we use but all shrouded as a scifi/fantasy story.
Hector and Blake are students at an all-boys Catholic school. Hector asks his best friend Blake to be his boyfriend. Blake responds negatively and calls him a homophobic slur (though the word is never actually said in the book, it’s pretty obvious what is intended). Hector responds by setting Blake’s science project on fire.
The story then moves into scifi/fantasy territory as (1) Hector develops the ability to disappear and (2) Hector learns that a tentacled monster is manipulating Blake.
This book reminded me of a kid’s version of N.K. Jemisin’s book about a tentacled monster making people act like bigots, The City We Became. Also, when there are kids running around a private school fighting monsters, it’s hard not to see Harry Potter lurking in the background.
The story is fine. I didn’t love it, but it teaches some valuable lessons about kindness and the importance of words. As a teacher in rural Georgia, I’m a bit concerned about how this book is going to go over for our reading bowl team. A boy makes his first attempt at a homosexual relationship, he’s rebuffed, and the monster creating vitriol is nested in the clergy house of the Catholic school. It’s not exactly a subtlenbookZ
February 6, 2024
Thank you to Labyrinth Road and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
I enjoyed this book so much and will absolutely be purchasing this one for my elementary school library! I would not be surprised one bit to see this title on upcoming middle grade award lists. It’s funny, it’s mysterious, and it’s powerful.
Hector attends a Catholic boys’ private school that is just a little… odd. There are rumors of ghosts and haunted buildings, and students swear they’ve seen, heard, or felt something paranormal at times. Hector chalks these up to be rumors until he has an experience of his own, and finds out that lost things and boys are becoming invisible and forgotten.
There’s so much to unpack here besides the mystery on the pages. This book speaks both literally and metaphorically about the importance of every child being seen, whether via media, by their school community, or by their own families. Underrepresentation is still a real problem, and it’s harder to fight alone than it is together. Hector struggles to fit in with his blended family, his sexuality as a queer boy, and his bent towards sensitivity - which ends up being a huge strength for him.
This book was such an entertaining read but also spoke to me as an educator - that the fight for our students is worth it, and we are more effective when we work together!
I enjoyed this book so much and will absolutely be purchasing this one for my elementary school library! I would not be surprised one bit to see this title on upcoming middle grade award lists. It’s funny, it’s mysterious, and it’s powerful.
Hector attends a Catholic boys’ private school that is just a little… odd. There are rumors of ghosts and haunted buildings, and students swear they’ve seen, heard, or felt something paranormal at times. Hector chalks these up to be rumors until he has an experience of his own, and finds out that lost things and boys are becoming invisible and forgotten.
There’s so much to unpack here besides the mystery on the pages. This book speaks both literally and metaphorically about the importance of every child being seen, whether via media, by their school community, or by their own families. Underrepresentation is still a real problem, and it’s harder to fight alone than it is together. Hector struggles to fit in with his blended family, his sexuality as a queer boy, and his bent towards sensitivity - which ends up being a huge strength for him.
This book was such an entertaining read but also spoke to me as an educator - that the fight for our students is worth it, and we are more effective when we work together!
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