Who is your invisible neighbor?  When Mrs. Johnson gives her fourth grade class this new riddle to solve, Isabelle can’t wait to take on the challenge. She’s a smart, curious girl who loves competition and hopes to be a veterinarian someday. But this riddle is the most difficult one she’s ever had to solve. Before she can unravel the mystery, Isabelle will need a few more clues. Join her on the journey as she meets a stranger, takes a surprise field trip, and hears a most unusual secret. Along the way, Isabelle learns to see things she’s never seen before.

An engaging, thought-provoking story with vibrant illustrations, Isabelle’s Invisible Neighbor explores homelessness through the eyes of a child. Parents and educators can use this beautiful tool to encourage empathy and compassion and to develop social emotional learning in elementary age children. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book.

  • Sandy Furnell next to Isabelle's Invisible Neighbor book display at Barnes & Noble

    Isabelle's Invisible Neighbor featured in local author display at Barnes & Noble

  • Sandy Furnell at Barnes & Noble

    Barnes & Noble book signing

  • Facebook Live interview

  • Sandy Furnell with children at The Children's Museum of the Upstate

    Meet the author at The Children's Museum of the Upstate

  • Sandy Furnell signing Isabelle's Invisible Neighbor books

    Book signing at Miracle Hill Ministries annual banquet

  • Sandy Furnell holding Isabelle's Invisible Neighbor book next to brown boxer dog, Olive

    Sandy and "Olive" at book signing

  • Sandy Furnell presenting copies of Isabelle's Invisible Neighbor to Habersham County Schools representative

    Speaking at Habersham Rotary in Georgia

  • Sandy Furnell in studio for interview at WMIT - The Light FM

    Interview at WMIT - the Light FM

  • Sandy Furnell, Minda Shelton, and Olive being interviewed on Your Carolina show with Jack Roper and Jamarcus Gaston, WSPA

    Your Carolina interview on WSPA with hosts Jack Roper and Jamarcus Gaston

  • Sandy Furnell reading Isabelle's Invisible Neighbor for story time at Barnes and Noble

    Story time at Barnes & Noble

  • Sandy Furnell book signing at M. Judson Booksellers

    Book Signing at M. Judson Booksellers

  • Sandy Furnell book signing at Citygate Network conference

    Book signing at Citygate Network conference

  • Sandy Furnell holding Isabelle's Invisible Neighbor book at Hub City Bookshop

    Book reading at Hub City Bookshop

What People Are Saying

“Isabelle’s Invisible Neighbor is a story that encourages empathy and social awareness at a time when both are desperately needed in our world. Homelessness is a real issue, yet one that is often brushed aside or not addressed at all with young people. It is so important to provide opportunities for children to consider the needs and feelings of others so they may grow to be kind and able contributors to society. This book provides a gateway for that through its simple story and the discussion questions provided.”

— Amy Stevenson, Ph.D., Literacy Specialist

“Hooray for Sandy Furnell for bringing one of society’s most exasperating dilemmas down to a child’s level. Solving this ever-present problem will take the efforts of everyone, including our youngest generations. They need to be taught the many reasons for homelessness and learn how they can make a difference, one person at a time. This little book is a perfect example of how that can be done.”

— John Ashmen, President, Citygate Network

“Loving our neighbors--especially those on the margins--is absolutely central to being a follower of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of resources to disciple children to care for those whom Jesus loved so deeply: the outcasts, the vulnerable, and the poor. Touching and dignifying, Isabelle's Invisible Neighbor should become a staple in every family's library.”

— Brian Fikkert, co-author of When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor…and Yourself

In the News

WSPA and Fox Carolina produced these interviews and news segments about the release of Isabelle’s Invisible Neighbor.