I remember seeing this novel on a list of awesome children’s novels and knew that I had to add it to my TBR. As an educator, it is important to me that my kids have access to quality novels and this one is definitely being added to the list. This novel surpassed my expectations and took a route I wasn’t expecting, but in a good way.

Bug’s Uncle Rodrick recently passed away and Bug is getting ready to start middle school. Bug’s mom also tells them that they’re not going to be able to attend the summer camp that they’ve attended for years. These are lots of big changes that can be really hard on a lot of kiddos. Bug’s only friend, Moira, is also convinced that they need to become more girly in order to “fit-in” in middle school. Moira is then on a mission to fix Bug and turn them into the girlie friend of their dreams. Bug hates this but goes along with it because they don’t want to lose their friend. Bug also is facing the grief of losing their uncle and is convinced that he is haunting their house in order to pass along a message.

This novel is such a great representation of what it’s like to accept yourself and become who you’re meant to be. There are several themes that this novel touches on in an age appropriate way. Some of these topics include:

- LGBTQ+ community
- Friendship
- Loss/Grief
- Single Parenting
- Poverty

I really enjoyed reading this novel and I encourage others to pick up a copy for their children/students to read.