A boy who feels invisible at school, but through the kindness of a new friend Brian begins to feel seen. ( )

a boy who feels invisible at school, but through the kindness of a new friend Brian begins to feel seen. ( )

Independent Reading Level:1-4
Awards: School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

This book is perfect for the start of school. Bor Brian is never included in activities or parties. Once a new student, Justin, comes to school, he befriends Brian, and the rest of the class begin to appreciate the uniqueness of Brian's imagination and talent for drawing. The illustrator initially has Brian drawn in black and white while the other students are drawn in color. As Justin includes Brian, Brian begins to gain color. The students noticed this as I read the story, and it offered an opportunity to discuss what the illustrator was trying to portray. ( )

This is the heartwarming story of Brian, a young boy who is left out at school and feels invisible. The illustrations really add to the impact of this story. Brian starts out gray and as others start to be kind to him and see him, he slowly begins to add color. This story is one of empathy and including others that is a must read.