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Invisible Girl
Gabriella Midwinter used to have a home. She wasn’t invisible back then…
For fans of Cathy Cassidy and Jacqueline Wilson, a stunning new novel from the author of SHINE, GLITTER, SEA OF STARS and A MILLION ANGELS.
“What’s strange is that the day it actually happened, everything seemed so normal.”
Caught between arguing parents and moving house, twelve-year-old Gabriella somehow slips through the cracks. Now she’s more alone than ever before. The city streets are no place for young girls but they’re all she’s got.
Unless she can find her brother Beckett.
Unless she can find her home.
272 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 3, 2013
ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review. Find more reviews at The Reflections of a Bookworm
What worked: Mentioning big Jacqueline Wilson is setting a pretty high standard for a book and...well, it's spot on! Kate Maryon is one to watch in the Middle Grade universe and I've no doubt she'll make regular appearances in home libraries worldwide. The world building is phenomenal and it's so easy to be pulled into Gabriella's life. It's been quite a few years since I read a MG novel and Invisible Girl shows me what I've been missing.
There are a number of reasons that kids run away from home, I know that it crossed my mind a few times but seeing what these poor characters had to put up with just makes me appreciate my family all the more. We have those who leave and fall in with the wrong crowd, the kids who leave because home is just too much and then our MC who's simply abandoned without a second's thought. What's so haunting about Invisible Girl is it actually happens to kids right this very minute. Every five to be precise. Let's take a moment to applaud Kate for showcasing this horrifying reality right under our noses.
Want to know something even more horrifying? The fact that the two most important people in Gabriella's life couldn't care less about her. And that's the biggest tragedy of all.
What irked: Although the voice of Invisible Girl is fantastic, I couldn't help but feel that her parents and dad's new girlfriend, Amy, were pretty much the same. They weren't easily distinguishable through their speech and actions, the rest of the characters were definitely well done but these three fell a little flat.
What worked: Mentioning big Jacqueline Wilson is setting a pretty high standard for a book and...well, it's spot on! Kate Maryon is one to watch in the Middle Grade universe and I've no doubt she'll make regular appearances in home libraries worldwide. The world building is phenomenal and it's so easy to be pulled into Gabriella's life. It's been quite a few years since I read a MG novel and Invisible Girl shows me what I've been missing.
There are a number of reasons that kids run away from home, I know that it crossed my mind a few times but seeing what these poor characters had to put up with just makes me appreciate my family all the more. We have those who leave and fall in with the wrong crowd, the kids who leave because home is just too much and then our MC who's simply abandoned without a second's thought. What's so haunting about Invisible Girl is it actually happens to kids right this very minute. Every five to be precise. Let's take a moment to applaud Kate for showcasing this horrifying reality right under our noses.
Want to know something even more horrifying? The fact that the two most important people in Gabriella's life couldn't care less about her. And that's the biggest tragedy of all.
What irked: Although the voice of Invisible Girl is fantastic, I couldn't help but feel that her parents and dad's new girlfriend, Amy, were pretty much the same. They weren't easily distinguishable through their speech and actions, the rest of the characters were definitely well done but these three fell a little flat.
February 17, 2015
A moving account of a girl's experiences living on the streets, how her family life led to it and where it takes her.
This could have been a lot darker, but I think for the target market, the dark sections are quite chilling enough. Gabriella and her dad are living together well enough after her mum (and beloved elder brother) leaves, but Amy, her dad's big-spending, controlling girlfriend soon drives in a wedge and Gabriella is suddenly in the scary position of being alone.
Much of the story takes place on the streets, as Gabby must make decisions about how she will survive, if she will search for her mum and brother.
This same topic for adults would have been a lot darker, I think. There are several 'fortunate accidents' that take Gabriella's story in better directions, but this makes it more palatable and appropriate for readers aged 9-14.
I thought the scene in which Gabriella is, to all intents and purposes, left to her own devices was well conveyed - confusing, frightening and understandable. How her situation leads to her living on the streets, you see from one step to the next.
This aspect though, is glazed over. If you are concerned about typical issues connected to homelessness (drugs, prostitution, violence, exposure to the elements), there is no mention (bar some minor inferences of a dealer). While this makes it less realistic, it makes it suitable for younger readers.
And it does make the point that living on the streets is not glamorous or exciting. The lack of adult content means it would be q food text for KS2/KS3 lessons.
Gabriella is the only well-developed character, her dad and Amy are fairly flat and incredibly unlikeable, her mum more so. The other girls she meets on the streets didn't really make an impression on me, they served only to give Gabriella a 'family' on the streets and highlight the issues of homelessness.
Gabriella did make her mark on me, I did feel for her and how she gets herself into trouble, and I did want her to be resolved happily.
The ending was a little too neat and sudden, I wanted to see more consequences be revealed for certain people and their actions, but again, thinking of the typical reader, they will be satisfied.
I listened to the audio version of the book, and found the narrator easy to listen to and a good choice of voice for Gabriella.
It's a topic that isn't covered often, but one necessary for the age group and a good basis for group discussions and for talks with parents.
This could have been a lot darker, but I think for the target market, the dark sections are quite chilling enough. Gabriella and her dad are living together well enough after her mum (and beloved elder brother) leaves, but Amy, her dad's big-spending, controlling girlfriend soon drives in a wedge and Gabriella is suddenly in the scary position of being alone.
Much of the story takes place on the streets, as Gabby must make decisions about how she will survive, if she will search for her mum and brother.
This same topic for adults would have been a lot darker, I think. There are several 'fortunate accidents' that take Gabriella's story in better directions, but this makes it more palatable and appropriate for readers aged 9-14.
I thought the scene in which Gabriella is, to all intents and purposes, left to her own devices was well conveyed - confusing, frightening and understandable. How her situation leads to her living on the streets, you see from one step to the next.
This aspect though, is glazed over. If you are concerned about typical issues connected to homelessness (drugs, prostitution, violence, exposure to the elements), there is no mention (bar some minor inferences of a dealer). While this makes it less realistic, it makes it suitable for younger readers.
And it does make the point that living on the streets is not glamorous or exciting. The lack of adult content means it would be q food text for KS2/KS3 lessons.
Gabriella is the only well-developed character, her dad and Amy are fairly flat and incredibly unlikeable, her mum more so. The other girls she meets on the streets didn't really make an impression on me, they served only to give Gabriella a 'family' on the streets and highlight the issues of homelessness.
Gabriella did make her mark on me, I did feel for her and how she gets herself into trouble, and I did want her to be resolved happily.
The ending was a little too neat and sudden, I wanted to see more consequences be revealed for certain people and their actions, but again, thinking of the typical reader, they will be satisfied.
I listened to the audio version of the book, and found the narrator easy to listen to and a good choice of voice for Gabriella.
It's a topic that isn't covered often, but one necessary for the age group and a good basis for group discussions and for talks with parents.
December 4, 2013
I started this just before bed, intending to read a couple of chapters, see what it was all about, and then go to sleep. Before I knew it I had tears streaming down my face, I was at the end of the book and it was very early hours in the morning.
I didn't expect much when I picked it up. I certainly knew that I wasn't the targeted audience. The main character, Gabriella, is twelve and the target audience seems to be between there and 15 at a guess. At 20, i'm a bit out of that range. But wow, this novel deals with such a heavy issue that I think anyone could and should read it.
With regards to the writing itself, it is a very easy book to read. The narrative flows and the pages almost turn themselves.
But the story. My god, the story. I knew it was never going to be easy, reading a novel about homelessness, but I never quite realised how hard it was going to be either.
Gabriella's emotions and suffering pierced though the pages with brutal force. I spent a lot of time having to put the book down for a few moments when the pages got too blurry to read through tears.
I felt shocked, upset and frustrated reading this, at some points I had to stop myself from throwing the book at a wall in a rage for justice.
It's incredibly eye opening, I challenge anyone to read this and not want to do something to help those who are homeless and in need, failed by the system that's supposed to keep them safe.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It's books like this that turn a persons mind around and spurs them into action.
I didn't expect much when I picked it up. I certainly knew that I wasn't the targeted audience. The main character, Gabriella, is twelve and the target audience seems to be between there and 15 at a guess. At 20, i'm a bit out of that range. But wow, this novel deals with such a heavy issue that I think anyone could and should read it.
With regards to the writing itself, it is a very easy book to read. The narrative flows and the pages almost turn themselves.
But the story. My god, the story. I knew it was never going to be easy, reading a novel about homelessness, but I never quite realised how hard it was going to be either.
Gabriella's emotions and suffering pierced though the pages with brutal force. I spent a lot of time having to put the book down for a few moments when the pages got too blurry to read through tears.
I felt shocked, upset and frustrated reading this, at some points I had to stop myself from throwing the book at a wall in a rage for justice.
It's incredibly eye opening, I challenge anyone to read this and not want to do something to help those who are homeless and in need, failed by the system that's supposed to keep them safe.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It's books like this that turn a persons mind around and spurs them into action.
August 2, 2017
I really wish I could say this was unrealistic, but I know it's not
Following a 12-year-old girl as she is suddenly faced with life on the streets, this story is nothing short of sad. Still, spoiler alert, there is a happy ending to this story, as CPS eventually gets involved
Following a 12-year-old girl as she is suddenly faced with life on the streets, this story is nothing short of sad. Still, spoiler alert, there is a happy ending to this story, as CPS eventually gets involved
October 13, 2022
Wow!!!
This is a truly emotional read, very well written and has you gripped from the get go!!
Expect to Cry!!
This is a truly emotional read, very well written and has you gripped from the get go!!
Expect to Cry!!
March 29, 2020
I love this book I am in love with it and shine the only books I've read of Kate I will definitely read the rest.
I am so into these books.
I love the way Gabriella meets Beckett.
It's a very emotional book.
I am so into these books.
I love the way Gabriella meets Beckett.
It's a very emotional book.
May 4, 2013
Review coming soon! Along with the Invisible Girl Blog Tour which will be held over at my blog in May!
March 27, 2021
Rating - 2.5 (rounded up)
The plot line is a really good plot line but I'm not keen on the writing style at all. There are good bits but more not so good bits. I would encourage people to continue reading it though as it does get better. When Amy's mum get introduced and probably from when Gabriella's dad and mum have their arguement.
I hated the first half, nothing happened at all. Nothing.
The characterisation was fine most of the time there were a couple lacking characters. Grace for example was so worried about Gabriella didn't want her to leave but for her own selfish reasons. What about their friendship? Not why us Gabriella leaving so suddenly? Then when Gabriella returns to school she has practically forgotten about her.
Then when Gabriella thinks about her new school she hopes she finds someone like Grace.
The ending was nice and I liked that part.
The plot line is a really good plot line but I'm not keen on the writing style at all. There are good bits but more not so good bits. I would encourage people to continue reading it though as it does get better. When Amy's mum get introduced and probably from when Gabriella's dad and mum have their arguement.
I hated the first half, nothing happened at all. Nothing.
The characterisation was fine most of the time there were a couple lacking characters. Grace for example was so worried about Gabriella didn't want her to leave but for her own selfish reasons. What about their friendship? Not why us Gabriella leaving so suddenly? Then when Gabriella returns to school she has practically forgotten about her.
Then when Gabriella thinks about her new school she hopes she finds someone like Grace.
The ending was nice and I liked that part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2020
Great story!!
The start of the book was not very appealing but as I got further into the book I could not put it down. There are a lot of twists in the story that can surprise you, however parts of the book were a bit of topic - when Gabriella draws it describes too much about what she is drawing and it doesn’t match what is in the book and Gabriela likes to always wish that she can go to her friends house and stay with her friend’s parents and she repeats that too many times in the book.( there are quite a few pages in the book that are quite annoying as all Gabriela says I wish I could go there I wish I could go with that family I wish I could just run back home I wish I wish I wish!!)
The start of the book was not very appealing but as I got further into the book I could not put it down. There are a lot of twists in the story that can surprise you, however parts of the book were a bit of topic - when Gabriella draws it describes too much about what she is drawing and it doesn’t match what is in the book and Gabriela likes to always wish that she can go to her friends house and stay with her friend’s parents and she repeats that too many times in the book.( there are quite a few pages in the book that are quite annoying as all Gabriela says I wish I could go there I wish I could go with that family I wish I could just run back home I wish I wish I wish!!)
December 31, 2021
My opinion
I loved the book I confess that in the first part I was kind of bad, because her parents did not give her Love and care , but after reading the book I understood, that makes me feel that even if everything is wrong even if everything is dark you always have Let the light prouche and do not give up and at the end of the book made me feel that this is what she did. I would recommend it to everyone in truth. I chose 5 stars because it makes me feel cheerful that after so much effort she finally got to be happy.
I loved the book I confess that in the first part I was kind of bad, because her parents did not give her Love and care , but after reading the book I understood, that makes me feel that even if everything is wrong even if everything is dark you always have Let the light prouche and do not give up and at the end of the book made me feel that this is what she did. I would recommend it to everyone in truth. I chose 5 stars because it makes me feel cheerful that after so much effort she finally got to be happy.
December 26, 2022
Such a beautiful book deep emotional and set me on a roller coaster of emotions and kept me on the edge of my seat I would say trigger warnings for abandonment, trauma, family issues, self harm, this book not only deals with these topics but so many more like homlessness, running away, meeting the wrong group of friends, shoplifting, robbing, emotional abuse from main characters step mother, depression, anxiety it's a book that kept me wanting more and kept me routing for the characters wishes and dreams of finding a better life.
Love this book has a special place in my heart ❤️
Love this book has a special place in my heart ❤️
March 27, 2021
I thought that it was a bit boring and I didn't want to pick it up because I didn't really like the first chapter of the book. But I did and I am kinda okay that I picked it up.. I didn't really like the major part of the book but I actually loved the ending.. So many problems especially the intro of Beckett and the treating of Rory by her parents and friends, the stupid parents of Rory and the wandering of Rory...
March 8, 2020
invisible girl was a great book and i rated it 5 stars. Gabriella midwinter was very peaceful at home and then this girl named amy, came and she tried to take gabriella's father and they went off to manchester and stayed there. and gabriella wanted to go to manchester to see her mom an she wanted to see beckett her brother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2019
Beautiful
I think that what Kate Maryon has achieved here is a work of art. The book in itself is beautiful. The shine,glitter, a million angels and now invisible girl are truly unparalleled in value and I would highly recommend them.
I think that what Kate Maryon has achieved here is a work of art. The book in itself is beautiful. The shine,glitter, a million angels and now invisible girl are truly unparalleled in value and I would highly recommend them.
June 20, 2020
This was such a heartfelt and devastating book at the same time. My heart broke for the main character and I was dying for her to get her happy ending. This book broke me and was the book I have ever read by this author. I am now off to devour the rest as this book spoke to my very soul.
October 5, 2020
The best book ever
This book is the most astonishing book I have ever read. I love this book so so much it is a must read to children 13 and above. This book should be taught in schools! Adults and teenagers would love this book alike.
This book is the most astonishing book I have ever read. I love this book so so much it is a must read to children 13 and above. This book should be taught in schools! Adults and teenagers would love this book alike.
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December 20, 2022Amazing book don't know how author does it
This is a review written by a 10 year old girl.
I really love this book and have read it 2 times already, I really recommend it to tweens \ teens .
Hope you enjoy this book
This is a review written by a 10 year old girl.
I really love this book and have read it 2 times already, I really recommend it to tweens \ teens .
Hope you enjoy this book
January 3, 2023
A great book with an inspirational message that made me tear up at the end. It’s great that messages like these are being spread at an early age so children know if they’re going through something like this, or if someone they know is.
September 5, 2018
This is a sad story about a girl whose father leaves to marry someone else. She has to find her brother in Manchester and becomes part of a group of idiotic teens who steal and drink.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2018
Different from the setting I usually go for.
August 26, 2020
this book tells the story of the type of person who’s stories arent often told and i absolutely commend it for that.
July 25, 2022
It was a very good book overall 👍🏾
December 10, 2022
interest- 5/5
predictably- 2/5
emotion- 3/5
predictably- 2/5
emotion- 3/5
January 11, 2024
it was okay, so sad that she just kept falling back into the same cycle with people, loved the ending though.
May 17, 2020
It does not let me read it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2015
I have to confess I picked this book up out of desperation. I'd been reading Lionboy for my Chatterbooks group, but I couldn't get enough copies of it. I needed a book I could get 6 copies of in two days, and there were two on the shelf in our branch. A quick check showed four more on shelves in nearby branches, so I put in an urgent request.
I don't like giving out books to the group without having read them first, in case they aren't really suitable. My immediate reservation was highlighted when the boys declared 'but this is a girl's book!'
Having read the book, I'm not sure I'd have chosen it for the group. The theme is a bit 'adult' for the majority of the members. I'd almost put it as a teen title, were it not for the
SPOILER ALERT
happy ending.
It will make for some good discussions though. Not least of which being whether or not it is really a 'girly' book. Would the story really be all that different if the protagonist were Gabriel, not Gabrielle? And the issues raised are ones that young children need to be aware of.
All in all, I'm really glad I stumbled on this one.
I don't like giving out books to the group without having read them first, in case they aren't really suitable. My immediate reservation was highlighted when the boys declared 'but this is a girl's book!'
Having read the book, I'm not sure I'd have chosen it for the group. The theme is a bit 'adult' for the majority of the members. I'd almost put it as a teen title, were it not for the
SPOILER ALERT
happy ending.
It will make for some good discussions though. Not least of which being whether or not it is really a 'girly' book. Would the story really be all that different if the protagonist were Gabriel, not Gabrielle? And the issues raised are ones that young children need to be aware of.
All in all, I'm really glad I stumbled on this one.
June 26, 2015
I read this book to see if it was appropriate for my 11 year old daughter and I'm happy that there is nothing in the content that is too mature for her.
The story revolves around Gabriella and her home life and how she ends up homeless. I was very touched by the character, wanting to give her a big hug but also wanting to shake her and get her to tell someone of her plight. I think the dangers of living on the streets are a little underplayed if anything and although Gabriella ends up in some nasty situations I never felt the danger only the despair.
It's important for books like this to be introduced to children from all walks of life to make them aware that not all children have the same start in life and get them to empathise with people less fortunate than them.
I'm not sure about the ending, it didn't seem a realistic way to end a book like this but I can appreciate that it was probably necessary for the target audience.
The story revolves around Gabriella and her home life and how she ends up homeless. I was very touched by the character, wanting to give her a big hug but also wanting to shake her and get her to tell someone of her plight. I think the dangers of living on the streets are a little underplayed if anything and although Gabriella ends up in some nasty situations I never felt the danger only the despair.
It's important for books like this to be introduced to children from all walks of life to make them aware that not all children have the same start in life and get them to empathise with people less fortunate than them.
I'm not sure about the ending, it didn't seem a realistic way to end a book like this but I can appreciate that it was probably necessary for the target audience.
December 27, 2014
I didn't realised this was a children book until I started reading it. I was first attracted to the cover at the library and I thought the book sounds good. And it really did!
Despite the fact that I am way too old for this book, I enjoyed reading it. The book was told from the POV of the 12 years old girl and how she survived a runaway life when her step-mother practically kicked her out.
The book covered realistic topics of runaway kids and teens stealing, arson and other topics. I felt that although the content could be a bit too heavy for younger children, this would be an inspiring book for them to read to know that doing those things would never turned out well.
This is definitely a book I will recommend to the younger generation.
Despite the fact that I am way too old for this book, I enjoyed reading it. The book was told from the POV of the 12 years old girl and how she survived a runaway life when her step-mother practically kicked her out.
The book covered realistic topics of runaway kids and teens stealing, arson and other topics. I felt that although the content could be a bit too heavy for younger children, this would be an inspiring book for them to read to know that doing those things would never turned out well.
This is definitely a book I will recommend to the younger generation.
May 30, 2016
It was a very heart-warming story. It addresses the issues of running away as a teen and the dangers of living out on the streets. I loved the way the story was told through the child-like perspective of Gabriella. Her character development is very nice to see as she learns from her experiences. I also really loved the happy ending i guess. I was just browsing around my school library and I found this book hidden in the shelves. The illustrations, cover and the plot captivated me.
May 4, 2013
Hey,
Just finished my early copy of "Invisible Girl" by Kate Maryon (Thanks Sophie). And I happy to say that I will be participating in the "Invisible Girl" blog tour (my first) so look out for my upcoming review. This book was sad and shocking, I can't believe there are kids on the streets as we speak. 4/5 stars review to come.
Just finished my early copy of "Invisible Girl" by Kate Maryon (Thanks Sophie). And I happy to say that I will be participating in the "Invisible Girl" blog tour (my first) so look out for my upcoming review. This book was sad and shocking, I can't believe there are kids on the streets as we speak. 4/5 stars review to come.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews