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? 

“Pla balances Isabel's struggles with subtle yet lovely levels of humor and offers a thoughtful, sensitive depiction of anxiety and autism.” - Booklist

"Will help anyone with their own worry-moths know that they aren’t alone.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Heartfelt and accessible. A compassionate insider’s perspective of neurodivergence." - Kirkus Reviews

“The challenges that [Isabel] faces in navigating mounting anxieties are sensitively depicted in this touching story by Pla that celebrates identity, friendship, and finding inner strength.” - Publishers Weekly