Invisible: The (Sort Of) True Story of Me and My Hidden Disease -- David Soren, Hardcover

From the director of the Captain Underpants movie and Turbo comes a heavily illustrated middle grade novel full of humor and heart that captures the rollercoaster ride of growing up with an invisible disability. For fans of Wink and Wonder!

JJ Sugar was only eight years old when he discovered that he could really draw. Like...better than anyone else in class (no offense to the other kids!). After winning a citywide poster design contest, his dream of becoming an animator was born.

Unfortunately for JJ, that same year, he also discovered his curse. After not feeling well for several weeks, he went to the doctor for some tests. (Actually, lots and lots and lots of tests.) And when his doctor dropped the diagnosis--Crohn's disease--JJ was suddenly no longer alone on the exam table. Sitting next to him was a giant, sarcastic, leather-wearing CREATURE: Norm, the not-so-invisible embodiment of JJ's chronic disease. And Norm seems bent on ruining his life.

Now, JJ must navigate the twists and turns of middle school and his bowels. But maybe he won't have to do it alone...

Author: David Soren
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Published: 10/14/2025
Pages: 256
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.92lbs
Size: 8.25h x 5.50w x 0.72d
ISBN: 9780593886625
Audience: Ages 9-12

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 07/21/2025

About the Author
David Soren grew up in Canada and now lives in California with his wife and two children. After attending Sheridan College's classical animation program, he was recruited by DreamWorks Animation, where he worked for over twenty years on many of their most beloved movies, including Shrek, Chicken Run, and How to Train Your Dragon. He directed and cowrote Turbo, Captain Underpants, and Under the Boardwalk. Invisible is his first book.