things that are

by Andrew Clements

The third in the "invisible" series, this installment focuses on the creepy, invisible character William, introduced in Things Hoped For. Alicia, who is blind, is struggling to keep her head straight about her friend Bobby, for whom she has developed more than friendship feelings. Bobby is returning in a couple of days from New York City where he has been doing auditions for music scholarships. While working at the library, Alicia is approached by William who tells her that Bobby is being followed by two men and could be in trouble. Alicia figures out pretty easily that William is invisible and naked, and she doesn't trust him at all. But she's afraid for Bobby, so she can't disregard what William says altogether. When she reaches home, FBI agents come to the door, and suddenly William's story becomes more plausible. Everyone in both Bobby and Alicia's families knows that the whole invisibility thing must be kept from the government, or their lives will never be their own again. When William comes to Alicia's back door freezing, and she lets him in, it becomes obvious to both her and Bobby, that they must do something for him, regardless of the FBI. This is a satisfying continuation of the story begun in Things Not Seen, as Alicia realizes that she can only live as honestly as she can in the here and now, because that's all that's real.

--reviewed by Dail Sams