VISIBLE

J.J. Sugar and Norm, his Crohn’s disease monster, are back in this new installment about growing up and dealing with family issues, following 2025’s Invisible.

J.J., who appears white, is learning to deal with Crohn’s disease, which is personified by Norm, the disruptive monster who seems “hell-bent on ruining” his life. He’s looking forward to finishing 8th grade and anticipates an exciting summer interning at an animation studio. His best friend, Hot Lips, and younger brother, Phantom, will be away for the summer, so J.J. will be left with Norm, his parents, Francie (his mom’s Crohn’s disease monster), and his new art department co-workers. Norm narrates some chapters about the Invisibles, “a rowdy gang of diseases, disabilities, and conditions…that people can’t see. They loved it when bad things happened to good people.” Norm acts up, sending J.J. to the doctor’s office, where he’s upset that his old doctor, a white-presenting man, is handing over his care to a woman doctor who’s cued as South Asian (J.J.’s ongoing distrust seems to emphasize her gender). Then Seymour, a new monster, joins the Invisibles, adding to J.J.’s family’s health challenges. The book’s strength lies in its candid treatment of the effects of chronic health conditions on families’ daily lives, which readers may find cathartic. Cartoon-style illustrations throughout accentuate the narrative. Unfortunately, some flattened, stereotypical depictions mar the work, and some readers may find the framing of “HORRIBLE, HIDEOUS DISABILITES” less than affirming.

Honest but let down by some two-dimensional characterization.