Things Not Seen
Puffin/Penguin 2008
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- friendship
- isolation and belonging
- family
- trust and honesty
- self-acceptance
- empathy
- mystery
About this book
Bobby Phillips wakes up one winter morning to discover he’s invisible—and no one can know. While he and his parents scramble to keep the secret and search for a cause, Bobby befriends Alicia, a sharp, funny girl who happens to be blind. Together they piece together clues and challenge what it means to be seen, known, and believed. Perfect for middle school readers who enjoy realistic stories with a smart science-fiction twist and heart.
Setting: contemporary Chicago in winter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Things Not Seen right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Things Not Seen. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include identity, friendship, isolation and belonging.
How long does it take to read Things Not Seen?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Things Not Seen takes around 6.7h to finish. The book has 66,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Things Not Seen have an AR quiz?
Yes — Things Not Seen has an AR quiz available, worth 9 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Things Not Seen?
Things Not Seen has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.