logo

61 pages 2 hours read

Things Not Seen

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2002

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Andrew Clements

Things Not Seen

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2002
Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Chicago, Illinois • Contemporary

Publication Year

2002

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

12-16 years

Lexile Level

690L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Things Not Seen by Andrew Clements, 15-year-old Bobby Phillips wakes up to find himself invisible and, feeling abandoned, sneaks into the University of Chicago library where he meets Alicia, a girl who is blind. They become friends and, alongside their parents, seek to keep his condition secret while searching for a cure to restore Bobby’s visibility and prevent the family from being torn apart.

Mysterious

Challenging

Contemplative

Emotional

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.2

27,274 ratings

68%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Things Not Seen by Andrew Clements offers compelling themes of invisibility and self-discovery. Readers appreciate the engaging plot and relatable characters. Critiques include the pacing and occasional lack of depth. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read for young adults, with a blend of mystery and emotional growth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Things Not Seen?

Readers who enjoy Andrew Clements' Things Not Seen are typically middle school to early high school students who appreciate thought-provoking, realistic fiction with a touch of the supernatural. Fans of Coraline by Neil Gaiman or Frindle by Andrew Clements himself will likely be captivated by the blend of everyday challenges and extraordinary circumstances.

4.2

27,274 ratings

68%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Bobby Phillips

A 15-year-old who becomes invisible and struggles with his newfound reality, while navigating relationships with his parents and forming a friendship with Alicia.

A smart and once-popular 15-year-old who became blind, forming a deep connection with Bobby, sharing a unique bond over their feelings of invisibility.

Bobby’s mother, a literature professor at the University of Chicago, who reevaluates her relationship with Bobby after a significant revelation.

Bobby’s father, a physicist at FermiLab, who approaches Bobby’s condition with scientific curiosity and works with others to find a solution.

Alicia’s father, an astronomy professor, who collaborates with David to solve the mystery of Bobby’s invisibility.

Alicia’s mother, an English Literature degree holder, who learns to grow and adapt to Bobby's unusual situation.

Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Chicago, Illinois • Contemporary

Publication Year

2002

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

12-16 years

Lexile Level

690L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.