This is a lyrical verse novel about invisibility, family abuse, conflicted loyalties and finding a voice. Volleyball gives Anke confidence, while relationships at home and school test what speaking up might mean.
being ignoredself-worthbelongingfamily secrecytruthresponsibilityvolleyballconfidencefriendship
FictionNovel
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Themes in Context
Invisibility and worth
Anke feels as insignificant as furniture because her father ignores her while abusing her siblings. She nevertheless questions whether receiving less harmful attention makes her worth less.Exploratory / explanatoryExploratory / explanatory: the book explains or explores the subject without an established evaluative position.Exploratory / explanatory: the book explains or explores the subject without an established evaluative position.
How the book presents it: The book presents her conflicting response as psychologically complicated rather than simple relief, inviting attention to the harm of neglect and comparison.
Talk about: How does Anke’s understanding of attention change as she becomes more visible elsewhere?
Silence and speaking up
Anke knows her father’s treatment is wrong but remains caught between telling the truth and protecting people she cares about. She eventually finds courage to stand up to him.MixedMixed: the book presents both supportive and critical signals.Mixed: the book presents both supportive and critical signals.
How the book presents it: The narrative treats breaking silence as a possible opening towards a new life, while also acknowledging fear and the risk Anke associates with confrontation.
Talk about: If Anke speaks, how does the story balance her agency with the adults’ responsibilities to protect the family?
Sport and identity
Despite her father’s disapproval, Anke joins the volleyball team, becomes a star player and discovers confidence, social connection and a voice.FavourableFavourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.Favourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.
How the book presents it: The book presents this favourably.
Talk about: What does the team offer Anke that home does not, and what remains unresolved beyond the court?
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Why It May Be Worth Reading
The book gives particular attention to the painful contradiction of feeling safer than abused siblings yet still feeling unwanted. It also explores how sport, friendship and naming the truth can alter Anke’s sense of self.
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What Deserves Attention
Expect emotionally intense material involving a father’s physical and emotional abuse of siblings, a mother’s denial and silence, and Anke’s fear about confronting the situation. Romance and school relationships are also present.
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A Conversation Worth Having
How does Anke’s feeling of being overlooked differ from her siblings’ experiences? If she chooses to speak, what responsibilities does she think she has—and what responsibilities belong to the adults around her?
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Reading Approach
Read alongside an opportunity to pause after difficult family scenes. Discuss the distinction between being ignored and being safe, and invite reflection on how the verse layout conveys Anke’s emotions.
Confidence & Basis
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
What remains unconfirmed
Invisibility and worth: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
Silence and speaking up: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
Sport and identity: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
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