I was enthralled by Kim Johnson’s writing after reading This is My America. Whew, that book gave me palpitations and kept me on the edge of my seat! This book set me alight in a different, but equally effective way.

This YA story quietly compounds the varied layers of exactly what it means to be a young Black boy. He is grappling with what his new reality looks like. He is feeling the weight of what it is like to constantly be under surveillance and have assumptions made about you – even while just walking down the street. It is discriminatory, contentious and makes him riddled with fear for just being. This is not unlike the harsh and ugly reality of what many Black males experience today. With the passage of time, things have not changed. As Kim Johnson stated: "The past is still very present." This story brings all of that to the forefront.

great book wow. recommend having nothing else to do but read for a day or 2. the character development was great as as well as the plot.

I really love Kim Johnson’s stories about society and social justice. They make me stop and think.

I don’t think I loved this one quite as much as This Is My America, but it was nearly there.

I thought the plot jumped around a little bit and made certain parts hard to follow.

I love Andre and I was so happy to see his life brighten up by the end. He deserved it! The way he was treated by everyone, including his family, in the beginning made my heart ache.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this!

"Invisible Son" is a gripping and timely thriller that delves into the complexities of identity, injustice, and the harsh realities faced by young Black individuals in contemporary America. Penned by Kim Johnson, this novel once again showcases her prowess in crafting thought-provoking narratives that shed light on pertinent social issues.

The story revolves around Andre Jackson, a young man who finds himself wrongfully accused of a crime, leading to a tumultuous journey to reclaim not only his innocence but also his sense of self. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly gentrifying Portland, Oregon, and further complicated by the outbreak of a global pandemic, the novel navigates through the struggles Andre faces as he fights to reintegrate into a world that has changed drastically in his absence.

Johnson skillfully captures the emotional turmoil that Andre experiences, portraying his frustration, confusion, and determination with authenticity. The author's prose is poignant, offering readers a visceral glimpse into the challenges faced by marginalized communities, both in terms of systemic injustices and personal relationships. The portrayal of Andre's neighborhood undergoing gentrification adds an additional layer of depth to the narrative, exploring the impact of societal changes on the lives of its residents.

The heart of the novel lies in its exploration of friendship, family, and love. Andre's relationships, particularly his connection with Sierra Whitaker, are woven intricately into the fabric of the story, adding a layer of vulnerability and tenderness to the otherwise intense narrative. As Andre grapples with the enigmatic disappearance of Sierra's brother, Eric, the story takes on an unexpected turn, uncovering hidden truths and shedding light on the systemic powers that shape the characters' lives.

Kim Johnson adeptly confronts issues of race, inequality, and power dynamics in "Invisible Son." The title itself serves as a metaphor for the invisibility that many Black individuals feel in a society that often marginalizes and overlooks their experiences. Johnson masterfully balances the suspenseful elements of the novel with its social justice themes, creating a compelling read that urges readers to reflect on the injustices present within their own communities.

"Invisible Son" is a testament to Kim Johnson's storytelling prowess and her dedication to highlighting the struggles and resilience of marginalized voices. With its engaging plot, well-drawn characters, and unflinching exploration of societal issues, this novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and impactful narrative that speaks to the challenges of being young and Black in America.

#NetGalley #InvisibleSon

I think this is my favorite Kim Johnson book yet. While this book was a heavy read -- grief, COVID, juvenile justice system, abuse, neglect, death, police violence, and more could be included as trigger warnings -- I think it is so important. Johnson handled such difficult topics with amazing clarity, grace, and thoughtfulness. She captured the feelings and situations of COVID without getting bogged down in it. I think there's something for everyone in this one -- there's a mystery around the MC's arrest, there's romance, there's conflict, deep emotions, and a lot of thought provoking elements. I will absolutely be adding this to our school library and recommending it to students!

I had very high hopes for this book after reading This is My America. And it did not disappoint. First, can we just celebrate the creativity of the chapter titles being named after songs? And every song fit perfectly with its respective chapter. I loved the hint of mystery because there were several questions that as a reader had me speeding through the pages to find the answers. This book solidified Kim Johnson as an auto-buy author for me.

As a disclaimer, I was only able to read the excerpt from this one.

I thought the writing was absolutely beautiful, I definitely see this as something my teens will be into at the library. Can't wait to dive into the whole thing.

I was excited by the chance to read a preview of INVISIBLE SON by Kim Johnson (This Is My America), but like some other reviewers, I found I was disappointed with the experience. The story dragged and did not deliver on the promised suspense. Andre (Dre) has been convicted of a crime and when he returns home (with an ankle monitor) he has difficulty re-assimilating. It is implied that he was wrongly convicted (why was no-one fighting for him from the beginning?). Plus, his friend Eric, who could supposedly clear Andre, is now missing. Overall, Johnson does not seem to give readers much reason to care about Eric or many of the other characters. Motives (e.g., why wouldn't Andre have been much more bitter and angry?) are not clearly defined and many poor choices are made. Her fictional characters seem initially willing to ignore injustice and abuse, although Johnson later refers to events related to COVID and Black Lives Matter protests. INVISIBLE SON did receive starred reviews from Booklist ("thoughtful, passionate, and eloquent"); from Kirkus ("powerful, emotional, and insightful read"); and from Publishers Weekly ("balances intrigue with socially conscious ruminations"). I never felt that depth of emotion and question how wide of an appeal this novel would have.

I'd rate this 3.5/5--I wanted to know how they story played out but I was not totally hooked by the pacing and at times, the writing. Invisible Son is the story of Andre, who takes the blame for his friend who had been stealing things. From there, the story expands to include a mystery regarding said friend, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement. As a reader, I perhaps am just not quite ready to read stories about COVID, but for me, the emotional impact of that and the losses that occur in the book were almost glossed over in a way that felt frustrating. I also felt like there was quite a bit of telling rather than showing when it came to the real-life elements of the story. This is absolutely an important book and story, and I would not hesitate to suggest it to a student who is interested in social justice issues, but I did feel like the story was trying to do a little too much at once to hook the more casual teen reader.

For so many, the months leading up to and at the height of Covid are this surreal period of time. It was inevitable that the days ran together and to some degree we lost the benefit of time reference. For me, Covid occurred alongside some major life moments that force exact time/date memorization…reading Invisible Son took me through the highs and lows of those emotions/days. Expertly written, I appreciate that Johnson dropped me down the rabbit hole of the little known history of the Albina area. Her ability to give enough that it captures your attention without taking away from her actual story is awe-inspiring. As always, her characters are real - far from perfect - but unapologetically relatable. On numerous occasions I thought I figured it out, but I never did and honestly the ending left my mouth hanging open. 5 stars. Recommended for every teen that now has a global pandemic as part of their memory.

The story follows the journey of a young Black man, Andre, navigating the complexities of life, identity, and the challenges of growing up in a society filled with prejudice and injustice. The characters in "Invisible Son" are beautifully fleshed out, with each one contributing to the profound impact of the story. Andre's struggles and triumphs felt authentic, and I found myself rooting for him every step of the way. The portrayal of family dynamics and friendships in the book added depth and authenticity to the overall narrative.

Furthermore, the book explores important themes such as racial inequality, systemic racism, and social activism with great insight and empathy. It provides readers with a poignant and eye-opening glimpse into the challenges faced by marginalized communities while highlighting the importance of standing up for justice and equality.

Kim Johnson's ability to tackle such weighty subjects with grace and empathy is commendable. "Invisible Son" serves as both a mirror and a window, reflecting the realities of some while inviting others to empathize and understand. It is a testament to the power of literature to foster understanding and compassion.

Invisible Son by Kim Johnson is a poignant and timely novel that follows Andre Jackson's struggle to reclaim his identity after being wrongfully accused of a crime. Set in a rapidly gentrifying Portland neighborhood amidst the chaos of a COVID-19 lockdown, Andre's quest for justice becomes even more challenging. Johnson skillfully explores themes of racial tensions, systemic injustice, and resilience, weaving a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged until the very end. The search for truth intertwines with Andre's journey, highlighting the invisibility felt by many in society and emphasizing the importance of amplifying marginalized voices. With compelling characters and a powerful storytelling style, Invisible Son serves as a thought-provoking reminder of the need for empathy and compassion in an unequal world.

Andre Jackson wants to get back to life before everything happened. Before his closest friend turned against him, when he was a student not a criminal. To regain his life he will have to find out where the real criminals are. Johnson has a gift in presenting current hot topics and difficult ones to discuss. Invisible Son cracks open the social injustices of the COVID epidemic and social structures that are imbalanced. while this is jam packed with reminiscing and a suspenseful twist and turns; there was a heavy handedness that over shadowed everything. At times the suspense wasn't seamless and would conflict with the heavy topics.

There were a lot of things I liked about this book. I thought Andre's story was riveting and powerful, the emotionality of the story was strong, and the reality of the helplessness was palpable. I've seen other reviewers note that they didn't like that it took place during COVID-19, but this was actually another aspect of the book I really enjoyed- it helped me connect through that shared fear.

There were times that the narration felt either flat or confusing and too quick, which is why I took away a star- I wish it has been more consistent in its pacing and tone.

"Invisible Son" by Kim Johnson is a compelling and thought-provoking young adult novel that delves into themes of identity, racial injustice, and the power dynamics in America. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Andre Jackson, the author weaves a gripping tale of resilience and determination in the face of a system that seeks to erase his existence.

The story follows Andre as he returns from juvenile detention, only to find his neighborhood rapidly gentrifying and the COVID-19 pandemic further isolating him from his community. Andre's quest to reclaim his identity and uncover the truth behind his wrongful arrest adds layers of tension and intrigue. The author skillfully captures the sense of dislocation and frustration Andre experiences as he navigates a world that constantly undermines his existence.

Johnson's writing shines in the exploration of racial dynamics and social justice. She adeptly portrays the challenges faced by young Black individuals, shedding light on the systemic biases and injustices they encounter. The narrative exposes the reader to the struggles of being young and Black in America, providing a powerful platform for empathy and understanding. The book stands as an important contribution to the growing genre of social justice thrillers.

The characters in "Invisible Son" are well-developed and relatable. Andre's determination and resilience make him a compelling protagonist, and the complexity of his relationships, especially with Sierra and the Whitaker family, adds depth to the story. Johnson expertly weaves together their individual struggles, highlighting the interconnection of their experiences and the importance of ally ship in the fight for justice.

The pacing of the book is well-balanced, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. The plot unfolds with precision, gradually revealing layers of deception and intrigue. The author skillfully incorporates timely issues such as gentrification, racial profiling, and the impact of the pandemic, grounding the story in a tangible reality.

While "Invisible Son" successfully addresses important themes and delivers a gripping narrative, there are instances where certain plot developments feel predictable or overly convenient. These minor flaws, however, do not significantly detract from the overall impact and enjoyment of the book.

Overall, "Invisible Son" is a compelling and important novel that sheds light on the experiences of young Black individuals in America. Kim Johnson's poignant storytelling and exploration of identity and justice make this book a must-read for fans of social justice thrillers. It serves as a powerful reminder of the systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities while offering hope and inspiration for change.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book before its release date.

After a somewhat slow start, which had me debating putting it down, this one really took off. I enjoyed reading about the struggles to survive during COVID, especially for a young black teen who was recently released from a juvenile detention facility. There were so many deep emotions flowing through this book, but I never found it heavy. I wanted Andre to succeed. I wanted redemption for Eric. I wanted happiness for Sierra.

Love a book with song titles as the chapters! The story was definitely a slow burn, but worth it at the end! It covered so many topics: covid, black teen coming of age, incarceration, gentrification, police brutality…just to name a few! I loved the way the author weaved the narrative into a mystery. I wouldn’t necessarily call this a thriller but maybe a domestic drama with whodunnit themes. I’d definitely recommend this book and I can’t wait to read more from this author!

Where to begin?!
I think this hit harder than TIMA, and that's saying a lot since I was so struck by how that debut novel hit me. This really is our country's reality for thousands of families. I give major props to Kim to be able to convert real-life stories into this fictionally placed America in Invisible Son. There have been a plethora of YA post-Covid stories I've read but nothing like this. She seamlessly wrote in and described how it was happening week by week of living with Covid from the beginning, not skipping ahead to post-vaccine time frame/virtual school graduation, etc. She went in it; this is undoubtedly a political book, but Kim writes it well. And I love it. Get your tissues ready because it also deals with losing a loved one at the height of the pandemic and the heartful loss of the disappearance of a friend. Pick this up!!

Two months ago, seventeen-year-old Andre Jackson made a mistake that landed him in MacLaren, a juvenile detention facility near his native Portland, for a crime he did not commit. On February 27, 2020, Andre is released from his sentence, only to find that everything he expected to remain the same has changed dramatically while he was away. As a Black young adult, he understands all too well the challenges he faces that his white peers will never understand, and the stark contrasts between them have become markedly more obvious. While he navigates his altered reality on a local level, the Novel Coronavirus has begun to appear around the globe. And even with very little within his control, Andre must learn to live in this new space that is at once completely foreign and uncomfortably familiar.

This contemporary fiction novel expertly blends headlines and quotes from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic with the story of Andre’s reintroduction to the world following a juvenile detention sentence for a crime that was not his own. Within the personal growth he experiences after being released back into the world is a darker reality that exists because of escalating racial tensions in the United States. As Andre speaks with his peers and communicates with the reader through internal dialogue, he does not hold back his experience and how it differs from that of his white classmates. For readers who have experienced this behavior themselves, they will recognize the sentiments Andre feels. And for those who have not, Andre offers an accessible window into his circumstance that encourages empathy.

Andre’s voice comes through loud and clear from the first moments of the novel, especially as he speaks in the first person and offers readers a glimpse inside the complex emotions of his mind. Little by little, the truth behind his incarceration comes to light, along with many of the events that took place while Andre was away from home. There is no easy reintroduction to society following time behind bars, but with COVID-19 edging ever closer, Andre finds himself needing to adjust to a completely different way of living. Haunting in its delivery, this book echoes very real events from the perspective of a character who is in the middle of more than his fair share, and it offers a poignant reflection of racial injustice in the United States. This honest and thought-provoking tale is an important addition to library collections for young adult readers.

I rarely read this genre, but when it is Kim Johnson, its a must. Invisible Son is no exception. I loved this story and will be putting in as many classroom libraries as possible!