Book: The Schwa Was Here

The Schwa Was Here
Neal Shusterman, 2004

The Schwa isn't like other boys that Antsy Bonano knows. For one thing, he's barely there most of the time in the invisible sense. But after a series of tests - and dares - Antsy discovers that the Schwa might be a friend - even if he is easy to forget and hard to see.

While on a massive dare with the Schwa, Antsy meets Old Man Crawly, the cantankerous, rich, agoraphobic dog lover, who in turn introduces him to Lexie, his blind, persuasive grand daughter. Through his experiences with them and the Schwa, Antsy realises there's more to seeing and being seen.

This is a really fabulous book, that was kind of surprising. It was about perception, but it was also a mystery. It was about families and friendships. And I always adore books where young people are guided in the most unusual ways. I would connect it to books like Noah's Law and the Parfizz Pitch, just for its mystery elements and the way the kids get out and do things.

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