INVISIBLE

In this work that draws upon the author’s life, a young Canadian cartoonist dealing with chronic illness comes into his own.

J.J. Sugar has a strange companion: Norm, the monstrous personification of his Crohn’s disease. A raucous biker who seems determined to make J.J.’s life a nightmare, he’s a lot to handle on top of symptoms, medications, and navigating the transition from elementary to middle school. J.J. has strong family support, including a mom who shares his illness, a quirky best friend, and an intense passion for drawing. But hiding his invisible disability brings a lot of pressure. He realizes that “the whole concept of ‘normal’ is a GIGANTIC PROBLEM and desperately needs to be fixed.” Soren repeatedly emphasizes that disclosing personal challenges can lead to camaraderie and support and that most people have something they’re self-conscious about. While some readers will be inspired by J.J.’s personal arc, others may wish that the book mentioned privacy as a valid choice separate from shame or embarrassment. The story is strongest when its spry humor and J.J.’s passion for comics and cartoons shine through. He’s confident in his talent and observant of the foibles of those around him as well as his own. The black-and-white spot illustrations throughout are dynamic and humorous. Unfortunately, much of the narrative is taken up with overdone metaphorical disability monsters, and there’s a questionable story about a Punjabi snake charmer. The main cast appears white.

Lively and well intentioned.