NEWBERY HONOR-WINNER
NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST
STONEWALL BOOK AWARD WINNER
“This book is a gentle, glowing wonder, full of love and understanding, full of everything any of us would wish for our children. It will almost certainly be banned in many places, but your child almost certainly needs to read it.” –The New York Times Book Review
“A tender portrayal of a kid who is just coming to understand who he is.” –TIME
★ “This coming-of-age and coming-out story takes a needed departure from other stories about transgender youth….A chilling, suspenseful ghost story balances the intimate, introspective narrative style.…Haunting and healing.” –Kirkus, starred review
★ “Smart and thought-provoking…. Through Bug’s journey to self-realization and self-acceptance, and the wonderfully nuanced understanding of gender he comes to, Lukoff provides a tender rumination on grief, love, and identity.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “Equal parts unsettling, heartwarming, and satisfying…a nuanced and compelling exploration of gender, friendship, and family.” –Booklist, starred review
★ “Lukoff’s three primary themes—gender identity, grief, and ghostly hauntings—work in elegant harmony despite the load. Lukoff navigates Bug’s journey of identity and discovery with grace, welcoming…A hopeful examination of grief and gender, and a good ghost story to boot.” –School Library Journal, starred review
★ “Lukoff combines gothic horror vibes with a slow-building trans awakening…The spooks and mysteries are an added bonus that sets this narrative apart from similar titles.” — BCCB
★ “While gender identity remains prominent throughout, Lukoff also combines pitch-perfect adolescent angst, evolving friendships and spooky encounters to create a welcoming story accessible to young readers of all backgrounds.” — Shelf Awareness
“When we talk about wanting to see a diverse range of books for kids, this is precisely what we should be thinking of…. Smart. Original. Necessary. ” –Betsy Bird, Fuse8
“Bug’s first-person, present-tense narration gives readers a close look at his sense that things don’t quite fit….and his gradual understanding of why that is.” –The Horn Book
“A much-needed book about the acceptance of a transgender boy who finds the support he needs from his family, his best friend, and eventually his friends at school.” –School Library Connection
Boston Globe Best Book of 2021
TIME Best Children’s Book of 2021
Washington Post Best Children’s Book of 2021
New York Public Library Best Book for Kids of 2021
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book for 2021
NPR Best Book of 2021
Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2021
Kirkus Best Book of 2021
School Library Journal Best Book of 2021
