Invisible Boys

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Invisible Boys

By: Holden Sheppard

Narrated by: Nic English

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A Children’s Book Council of Australia Notable Book
Winner - Western Australian Premier’s Book Award
Winner - Kathleen Mitchell Award
Winner - City of Fremantle T.A.G. Hungerford Award
Winner - Ray Koppe Residency Award
Shortlisted - Victorian Premier’s Literary Award
Shortlisted - Readings Young Adult Book Prize
Longlisted - Indie Book of the Year Award

In a small town, everyone thinks they know you…

Charlie is a hardcore rocker, who’s not as tough as he looks. Hammer is a footy jock with big AFL dreams, and an even bigger ego. Zeke is a shy over-achiever, never macho enough for his family. But all three boys hide who they really are. When the truth is revealed, will it set them free or blow them apart?

‘This manuscript has tremendous energy and authenticity, as it explores what it is like to grow up gay in an insular regional community. Invisible Boys is a valuable contribution to the growing voices of younger LGBTIQA+ people.’ City of Fremantle T.A.G. Hungerford Award judges’ report

‘This is a confronting and challenging story which describes the pain of growing up gay in a small, conservative small-town community … Sheppard has given us a brave book which deserves attention.’ GOOD READING MAGAZINE

‘The characters leap off the page, warts and all, and Sheppard writes with complexity and realism about sexual discovery, family and social rejection, coming of age (and coming out).’ THE SATURDAY AGE

‘Sheppard pulls no punches in this story, challenging expectations and taking the reader on a dark journey through each boy’s life, with only a sliver of light at the end providing hope for a brighter future. This book feels somewhat unmoored from time, with a raw edginess … which brings to mind books like Puberty Blues and the work of Tim Winton.’ JUNIOR BOOKS + PUBLISHING

‘The book is immediately engaging and engrossing, exploring the lives of three diverse male teenagers dealing with their homosexuality … [Invisible Boys] is distinctively Western Australian with a well-constructed and truly surprising climax. Sheppard will win himself a vast number of fans with this impressive debut.’ DNA magazine

‘… this debut novel is one of those books that only comes around once in a generation … to think that a whole new generation of young queer readers will have the opportunity to see themselves in this book: that’s a powerful thought.’ OUT IN PERTH

‘… throughout, Sheppard writes with unflinching honesty and an eye for authentic detail. It all makes for an impressive debut that’s thoroughly deserving of the accolades it has received.’ THE WEEKEND WEST

‘… written with authenticity and sincerity, unflinching and unabashed Australian young adult literature at its finest. Simply brilliant.’ DIVA BOOKNERD©2019 Holden Sheppard (P)2021 W. F. Howes Ltd

Holden SheppardNic EnglishWavesound from W. F. Howes Ltd

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This is a truly beautiful story of young love and how difficult it is to understand your feelings as a teenager. Whilst the location is different, the experiences, feelings and struggles are all so familiar and well-written. The focus on the key characters is considered and well-balanced, getting an insight into each. It leaves you guessing throughout about the way the story will go, ending in equal parts gut-wrenching heartbreak and hope for the future.

The narration is perfect, finding the nuances of fear, love and pain with differences for each character so you instantly know which perspective you are hearing.