Bug’s house in rural Vermont has always been haunted: there are cold spots, inexplicable chills, and sometimes when Bug looks in the mirror, there’s something about the face looking back that just seems...off. When Uncle Roderick dies, the paranormal activity increases, and the hauntings seem to be targeting Bug specifically.

To make everything worse, Bug’s best friend Moirah has made it her mission to help both of them reinvent themselves before middle school. For Moirah, this means embracing all things girly, and sleepovers with her devolve into makeovers and talking about boys. Being girly feels like so much effort to Bug, and Bug feels like Moirah is slipping away.

To say I loved this book would be an understatement. Parents of middle grade readers, parents in general, educators, and humans (so basically, everyone I know) should pick this one up. There are middle grade novels that are clearly written just for a middle grade audience, and then there are middle grade novels with universal appeal. This is definitely one of the latter, and I think this book will resonate with readers of any age who have ever felt other, whether they share experiences with Bug or not. As an adult reader, I got a kick out of references to things from my childhood, like American Girl dolls, The Babysitter’s Club, and [b:From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler|3980|From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler|E.L. Konigsburg|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327784751l/3980._SY75_.jpg|1384549]

Too Bright to See is a phenomenal exploration of grief, loss, growing up, friendship,

Spoiler

gender identity, and gender expression.

Bug’s experience with

Spoiler

gender dysphoria

is subtle, heart wrenching, and plays with the idea of the things that haunt us internally vs. the supernatural things that haunt us.

Spoiler

Often, the narratives that we’re presented about transgender characters are about characters who have always intrinsically known their true gender identity. Bug doesn’t know that he’s transgender until he knows, and that realization makes all of the other pieces fall into place.

I am thrilled to see this book continuing a trend that I’m beginning to see in Middle Grade fiction. While there is conflict in the book, ZERO PERCENT of it is about Bug’s coming out as transgender. Bug’s Uncle is encouraging (from beyond the grave). Bug’s mother is joyful and a fantastic advocate with the school. The school is supportive and already has protocols in place to support and protect Bug. Bug’s friends don’t question it. There is no bullying. This is what we need to model for our young people.

I’ll link to #ownvoices reviews of this one as they pop up.

Representation: Transgender protagonist, gay side character(s), positive depiction of drag culture
Content warnings: Death of a parent, death of a quasi-parental figure, gender dysphoria, subtle pressure related to gender role conformity

Big thanks to Edelweiss and Dial Books for providing me with an advance copy for review. All opinions are my own. Too Bright to See is available to pre-order now, and available in stores tomorrow, 4/20/21.