Of Things Not Seen

Jean Free is a past judge of the Vicky Metcalf and Ruth Schwartz awards
for children’s

literature.

Sixteen-year-old Ben Corbett dreams of becoming a writer. When his
English teacher enters his work in a national contest, he is one of 20
students chosen to attend a two-week program at the Summer Institute for
Young Writers in Ottawa. But Ben’s attendance is threatened by his
tragic home life—an abusive stepfather and a submissive mother who
keeps hoping that life will improve. When the family situation
deteriorates even further, Ben and his mother are driven to make
desperate choices. Of Things Not Seen is a sensitive portrait of
domestic violence and the feelings of shame, isolation, and hopelessness
it engenders in its victims. Highly recommended.