Too Bright to See

by Kyle Lukoff

About this series: Jules (they/he) reads a lot of LGBTQ+ books in their spare time and is telling us about a few of their favorite ones for kids. This well-received book (it’s a Stonewall Book Award winner, a Newbery Honor Book, and a National Book Award Finalist!) is a beautiful depiction of grief and of finding yourself.

Age range: upper elementary/middle school

Synopsis: Living in an old, haunted house, eleven-year-old Bug is used to ghosts, but now Uncle Roderick has died and his ghost is acting much scarier than most do. Could he be trying to communicate something? Meanwhile, Middle School is looming at the end of the summer, and Bug’s friends are suddenly into things like clothes and makeup — topics that make Bug deeply and confusingly uncomfortable. Can Bug figure out what’s going on, either with their feelings or with Uncle Roderick’s ghost?

What I love about this book: This book has a beautiful and age-appropriate depiction of coping with grief. Many kids will have lost someone by the time they’re in late elementary or middle school can be really helpful. And I love that Bug’s friends, family, and community are so supportive of Bug as they figure themself out.

What kids will love about this book: Although it deals with some heavy concepts, this book is extremely engaging and readable! Bug’s anxieties about how to make and keep friends and how to fit in (especially at a new school) are very relatable. Also, (beware spoilers), this book does a great job of showing what unrecognized gender dysphoria feels like. While many trans kids knew they were a boy/girl since 3 or 4, not all do, and kids who are questioning their gender at an older age will enjoy seeing another kid doing so as well.

Where to get the book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Minuteman Libraries