Citation: Kantor, M. (2009). Invisible I. New York: HarperTeen. Age: 13+Format: Book and websiteGenre: MysteryThis is a cross-platform story which was developed as a marketing premise by all appearances. There is a series of books about a character who goes missing but the story is left unresolved so that young girls will contribute their own stories, poems and songs about what they thing happened to the character on the online site. If they purchase anything from it, then all the better. The story is not terribly well written and contains frequent references to trademarked companies and items that will date the story in the years to come. The story is left unresolved which is frustrating. However, the story is aimed at the same audience as those for Twilight, so one should not have high expectations. This resource could be used to demonstrate some of the devices authors use to create mysteries, as an exploration of how the internet has changed many aspects of our lives, including recreational reading. It could also be used as a prompt for a creative writing piece for what the students think happened that they could then contribute to the website if they wished. The digital additions to the story are more of a “once you have read the story go here to find out what happened” type of addition, as opposed to being intrinsically linked with the book. The entire digital experience related to this book is for feedback and adaptations to the story. It is like completely authorised and encouraged fan-fiction. This could encourage creativity within the children who read the story. The interactivity is completely optional, therefore it does not actually add anything unless you wish it to. But the online side may be very beneficial to some of those who like exploring multiple ideas of how things should have gone. The presentation is very much aimed at teenage girls and is very pink. However, the design is good and would be appreciated by the target market. The accessibility of the book may not match the accessibility of the online side and vice versa, because the book may be obtained very cheaply from an opportunity shop for example by someone who has no access to the internet, or could be found as something interesting on the internet but being a child may not be able to locate a copy of the book. The premise on which this book and website were created is very good, however, it is poorly done as it seems to be more of a marketing strategy as opposed to something done for literary merits. It would be interesting to see future implementations of this sort of literature that do not use it as an opportunity to capitalise on children as a source of profit. Hal, Nia, and Callie are not friends, but they all have one thing is common: they're friends with Amanda Valentino. Callie is an I-Girl, part of the popular crowd while Hal and Nia are outcasts. Now that Amanda has disappeared, they must get over their social statuses and reveal all secrets in order to find her. But who really is Amanda Valentino? Seems like their friend has a few secrets of her own.For those who like the Pretty Little Liars series, this is a great read-a-like. It is full of mystery and cryptic messages. A cleverly written tale that will keep the audience guessing. Can't wait to read book #2!
What do You think about The Amanda Project (2010)?
This is a really good book! I can't wait to read A Signal From Afar
—jcastella
