About This Book
Reach for this book if your child is navigating a quiet sense of not fitting in or is struggling to voice an internal disconnect they cannot yet name. This Newbery Honor story uses a gentle ghost mystery as a mirror for a young person's journey toward self-discovery. It is an ideal choice for families looking to discuss identity, gender, and the process of growing up with empathy and nuance. While the story centers on Bug, a child realizing they are a transgender boy, it is also a tender exploration of grief following the loss of an uncle. The spookiness of the haunted house provides a safe, metaphorical space to explore the fear of the unknown. It is a healing read for middle schoolers who feel pressured to perform a version of themselves that does not quite fit.
