How to Disappear Completely

By Ali Standish

Book Overview

"When Emma discovers the first spot, 'like a tiny bright moon' on her left foot, she's at the funeral of her grandmother, who had been her best friend as well. The diagnosis is vitiligo, a skin condition triggered by stress. Creating a large multigenerational cast, Standish knits an absorbing story of loss, identity, and human connections. A rewarding, realistic novel, illuminated by magical elements." --Booklist (starred review)

Wonder meets Some Kind of Happiness in this powerful tween novel from Ali Standish, author of the Carnegie Medal nominee The Ethan I Was Before and August Isle.

While her grandmother was alive, Emma's world was filled with enchantment. But now Gram is gone, and suddenly strange spots are appearing on Emma's skin. Soon, she's diagnosed with vitiligo--a condition that makes patches of her skin lose their color--and the magic in her world is suddenly replaced with school bullies and doctor appointments.

But when Emma writes one last story in the journal she shared with Gram, something strange happens. Someone writes back to her, just like Gram used to. Who's writing to Emma? And just what is her story going to be, now that everything is so different?

Award-winning author Ali Standish explores the ways life transforms us, and how we learn to let go of what we must while still holding fast to who we are.

"Seamlessly blending childhood wonder with the slow lessons of maturity, this tale succeeds in celebrating curiosity, thoughtfulness, and collaboration, centering on relatable characters who welcome readers into their world." --Publishers Weekly

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0062893289
• ISBN13: 9780062893284
• Release Date: April 2020
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 5.9" x 7.9"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Delightfully Heartfelt and Uplifting

How to Disappear Completely is a novel about a girl who gets bullied for the recent skin disorder she's developed. On top of that, her grandmother, who was her biggest supporter and best friend, has just passed away. I love how emotional this book is. Emma struggles significantly, yet she learns to trust those around her and rely on them when she needs help. It really teaches you that good friends can be found anywhere and that yes, good people do exist. On top of that, the novel is lowkey a mystery book as well, but I'll let you read that for yourself. :) Enjoy.