Book giveaway: Invisible Girl by Kate Maryon

Absolutely agree. It looks like one of those free books you get with magazines in the summer.

It's not only that it's girly though; it's also doing the book a disservice. You'd see it on a shelf and dismiss it as princessy crap.

DS and I have made a start on the book tonight and have read the first couple of chapters.

It has already prompted a conversation about homeless people and his experience of them.

I have to agree with the comments regarding the cover. It really is too girly. I guarantee DS will hide it before his friends come round.

Yes, a more edgy Malorie Blackman cover would work very well methinks!

I've made a start on the book but it's too dark for dd aged 10 (who is a very young 10) so I won't be giving it to her just yet.However it did prompt a discussion with dd who had no idea that children ran away and couldn't imagine why it would ever be necessary. I reinforced that whatever happened in her life even if she thought I'd be angry she could always talk to me or her daddy, siblings or teachers or other family members to get help to put it right rather than ever thinking of running away.

I agree with what fuckwittery says about Gabriella's reluctance to trust the many people who could help her, and her fear of getting her dad into trouble, really did ring true.

I received my copy and read it. I have absolutely no idea why the publishers went with incredibly girls pink swirly nonsense on the cover. It looks like awful chick lit! And it's unnecessarily limiting to the readership. I was planning on getting DS1 (12) to read it and post his feedback, but it will take some persuading to get him to read what looks like a princess story. It's a shame, as the story itself is absolutely relevant to both genders, and it is absolutely an important issue.

I thought it was very good. I agree that it's very absorbing and you do really care about Gabriella. I thought the ending was unrealistically tidy though. Perhaps that's because I'm experienced enough to know it would never have happened that way (why didn't anyone from social work speak to Gabriella, for example?). Obviously, a happy ending was a good thing, but I'd've liked a slightly more realistic one. I won't spoil it by saying too much though.

Hi we've received our copy. Started reading it to DD (who's nearly 8) as a bedtime story but a few pages in realised it's too 'dark' for her and she said as much herself. Now trying to get DS, to whom it's more appropriate, to read (a novel concept that one - excuse the pun!) but it's already fired my interest. I am considering that we read it en famille once DD has gone off to bed to stimulate talk around this often ignored issue.....

looks like a great book that DD would enjoy, and a great cause.

Entered!! Looking forward to reading it.

Just received this, will get back when read it.

Using books and stories as a starting point for discussion is a great way to raise an issue with children, although not quite as effective as being able to talk to someone who has been there and had the T-shirt stolen. Older children are very much aware that books are fiction and may argue that life isn't really like that. So we also used newspaper reports on, for example, what happens to missing children. The "world's strictest parents" TV show was good for showing teens how well off they were and how bad teens who are spoilt by their parents can become.

Just finished this great book...thanks Mumsnet! What an eye opener. While we are sleeping in our warm beds, many thousands of children like Gabriella, in the UK are living on the streets, hand to mouth. At times I wanted to scream at Gabriella's self absorbed parents, but mostly I was completely engrossed in the story and hoping for a happy ending. A very absorbing and directly honest read. Girls (and boys) aged 9 upwards will love it. Thoroughly recommend it!

Just received today - DD keen to get started, will add feedback when she's got into it :)

I received my copy yesterday, we are reading this together at bedtime so it could be a few days before we are ready to review. Will review as soon as we are finished. Thank you :)

I've just received my copy. I'm looking forward to reading this with dd, as we never make the effort to read together anymore. ..she devours books on her own so this is a chance to discuss an important issue and spend some time together. Thank you...will post my review soon.

Just got my copy, dsd has just disappeared into her room with it so will post a review when she's done

Dd has just read it in one sitting. She's just come downstairs a bit stunned. Think she needs to gather her thoughts before posting a proper review. She says its made her think what some children go through and she wants to donate something.

I just got mine too. The title had made dd immediately curious so that's a good start. We're going to read it together in the next couple of weeks.

I received my book this morning, thanks for picking me.

DS1 and I will start reading this as soon as we finish our current one which won't be too long.

Recieved my book this morning. Will post feedback when dd and i have read it

Sounds like an interesting and thought provoking read. I was shocked to hear just
How many children run away from home each year. :(

Have entered for my 12 year old daughter looks like great book