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A review by katykelly
What Not to Do If You Turn Invisible by Ross Welford
5.0
Two out of two hits for Ross Welford. Intelligent, genuinely funny and warm writing for a young audience.
Like his first, this doesn't dumb down the science for children/young people, and faces issues head on. In 'Time Travelling with a Hamster' he braved the subject of a parent's death. Here is it the angst of adolescent acne, a dead mother and even dementia.
Ethel Leatherhead wishes she wasn't so noticeable - her acne has lately made her a target for bullies, her friends have found new cliques, the grandmother she lives with is old-fashioned (if loving). In trying out different skin remedies, she finds a tanning machine has a rather unexpected effect. She is made invisible!!
Every child's dream come true? Ethel discovers that not only does it have its drawbacks, but is it controllable?
A well-written new friendship with a fellow misfit and some interesting scientific concepts thrown in make this a smart read. Ethel's story is more than just a 'wish-fulfilment' tale, with several strands weaving together to give this depth and heart.
I'm very impressed with Ross Welford's work and will be adding this to my school library shelves. Some wonderful scenes with bullies, the logical effects of invisibility (and how you would cope), and some second half family dramas that make this a potential TV series.
A recommendation for ages 10-14.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance e-copy, sent for review purposes.
Like his first, this doesn't dumb down the science for children/young people, and faces issues head on. In 'Time Travelling with a Hamster' he braved the subject of a parent's death. Here is it the angst of adolescent acne, a dead mother and even dementia.
Ethel Leatherhead wishes she wasn't so noticeable - her acne has lately made her a target for bullies, her friends have found new cliques, the grandmother she lives with is old-fashioned (if loving). In trying out different skin remedies, she finds a tanning machine has a rather unexpected effect. She is made invisible!!
Every child's dream come true? Ethel discovers that not only does it have its drawbacks, but is it controllable?
A well-written new friendship with a fellow misfit and some interesting scientific concepts thrown in make this a smart read. Ethel's story is more than just a 'wish-fulfilment' tale, with several strands weaving together to give this depth and heart.
I'm very impressed with Ross Welford's work and will be adding this to my school library shelves. Some wonderful scenes with bullies, the logical effects of invisibility (and how you would cope), and some second half family dramas that make this a potential TV series.
A recommendation for ages 10-14.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance e-copy, sent for review purposes.