Invisible Boys

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?

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

‘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

'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

'Invisible Boys is full of genuine, authentic voices ... This is an important book for all young people, as it shows one size does not fit all. There is no right way to be gay, or to be anything else, for that matter.' Magpies

'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

'Invisible Boys is a highly character-driven story, so it's only natural that the characters in the novel are well crafted ... As the synopsis likely suggests, the novel has a direct, central theme about the struggles of homosexuality in intolerant circumstances. It's not pleasant to read about, but it's an important perspective on privilege.' ReadPlus

'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

'... 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

'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

'... written with authenticity and sincerity, unflinching and unabashed Australian young adult literature at its finest. Simply brilliant.' Diva Booknerd

Awards

2019 Kathleen Mitchell Award (Winner)
2018 City of Fremantle T.A.G.Hungerford Award (Winner)
2017 Ray Koppe Residency Award (Winner)

Properties

• Press Quality Cover Image

  9781925815566_RGB.jpg (5.78 MB)

• Media release

  Invisible_Boys_MR.pdf (509 KB)

• Press Quality Author Image

  Holden_Sheppard_2019.jpg (1.2 MB)

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