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emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Private user's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is a story about a kid discovering their identity--but it is also a ghost story and a story about grief and friendship. I would stick it in the same category of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe not because of age level, but because they both feature LGBTIA+ youth who have supportive family and friends. However, this one is great for middle schoolers and has the added benefit of being an under 200 page book! It is a bit slower paced, which may throw some students off a bit, and I wanted more resolution from the ghost storyline, but a good choice for school libraries and middle schoolers.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief
Private user's review against another edition
There were so many aspects of this novel that I adored. It not only deals with loss, but it also deals with identity difficulties. "It's hard to be yourself before you know who that is." This novel has so many great and heartwarming moments. Bug, our narrator, takes us on a beautiful and sometimes tragic journey through the experience of struggling with gender identification. We're also moved by a cast of supporting characters who offer their love and support in a variety of ways.
There were so many aspects of this novel that I adored. It not only deals with loss, but it also deals with identity difficulties. "It's hard to be yourself before you know who that is." This novel has so many great and heartwarming moments. Bug, our narrator, takes us on a beautiful and sometimes tragic journey through the experience of struggling with gender identification. We're also moved by a cast of supporting characters who offer their love and support in a variety of ways.
Private user's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book is a must read for tweens and teens and adults alike. Fun, tender, and hopeful, it is not only a creative speculative fiction story, but a beautiful story about a kid who is moving through a transitional period in life, about to start middle school, a family member passing away, etc. I think anyone can relate to the universal themes Bug’s adventures represent, but as someone who has had similar experiences, this #ownvoices story has become an instant favorite.
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Terminal illness, Transphobia, Grief
The best depiction of being trans/dysphoria that I've read in a while