Riding Invisible

Alonzo, Sandra. Riding Invisible. New York, NY: Hyperion, 2010. Print. ISBN: 9781423118985 Pages: 234 Hardbound US $15.99

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Riding Invisible
by Sandra Alonzo
illustrator: Nathan Huang

Annotation: In an effort to escape his violent, mentally-ill brother Yancy prepares to survive with only his horse and a few supplies in the desert surrounding Los Angeles.

The Graphic Format:

For his birthday Yancy’s parents gave him a journal

Image scanned from Riding Invisible

Eight months later, he’s finally putting it to use.

Image scanned from Riding Invisible

Yancy needs the journal to chronicle his journey into the deserts surrounding Los Angeles. Yancy’s escaping toward a better future, but, more importantly, he’s escaping away from him crazy, scary brother, Will.

Image scanned from Riding Invisible 

He and Shy, his beloved horse, ride off into the sunset but don't live happily ever after.

Through emotional, action-filled journal entries and sometimes-hilarious, sometimes-beautiful illustrations, Yancy’s story is powerful and memorable. It is the story of a normal kid’s journey from invisible to healing.

Image from Riding Invisible

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Praise for Riding Invisible!

Alonzo’s first novel features the sort of likable, embattled narrator that brings to mind Arnold Spirit from Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (2007), but instead of being tormented by negative stereotypes and poverty, 15-year-old Yancy’s primary source of misery comes from his nearly sociopathic older brother, Will. The story is told entirely in diary form, complete with a handwriting-styled font and plenty of cartoony drawings (again reminiscent of Alexie’s book). After Will, who suffers from conduct disorder, violently threatens Yancy’s horse, teen and horse take off into the California desert. There, they encounter a kind Mexican worker, who helps Yancy begin to size up the challenges of living with his brother and the toll that it is taking upon the entire family. Alonzo skillfully handles teetering family dynamics, equestrian details, and the undertones of immigration and class, which add realistic depth. The resolution leaves a bevy of challenges and plenty of food for thought about family dysfunction. Grades 7-10. 

--Ian Chipman

I highly recommend Riding Invisible for all male and female readers 13 or older, and a must-read for teen (and adult) horse-lovers. ” --Mountain Write

Arielle's Recommendation: This is a fast-paced, involved story. Hand this book to struggling readers or someone looking for something different. Recommended for 6th-10th graders that enjoy adventure and horses.