Reviews

Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff

timberdoodle's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

2.5

Consistently sweet and gentle, though some sections felt blander than others, and the pace sometimes crawled. The resolution is also rather forcefully done, and could've used a bit more tact.

b_jud's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

rouge_red's review against another edition

emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.25

Great. Just great. I should own this book. I want kids who are starting to form their sense of selves to read this book. I liked how we had the story of Bug trying to figure himself intertwined with the ghost story. It felt like an effective way to carry through the metaphor of not being to see yourself when you look in the mirror, and all the other times you've felt wrong inside your body. Well done and a book I want people to read.

kendragaylelee's review against another edition

3.0

I love the concept of this book so much. But it didn't click for me... so much so, that I'm just wondering if the fault lies in me (my age, my experience with the world, my deeper understanding of the way the themes in the book would play out--which wouldn't be so obvious to a kid).

I'm reserving my review of this one until my 11 year old reads it. Then we'll both let you know what we think.

best_lemon's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative reflective sad fast-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

4.0

mdevlin923's review against another edition

4.0

It's the summer before Bug starts middle school, and there is a lot going on: Bug's uncle has died, Bug's best friend Moira is starting to become more interested in boys and makeup, Bug's mom is struggling with finances, and their house is haunted. Bug quickly realizes that Uncle Roderick is communicating to Bug...and must spend summer figuring our what he is trying to say.

The spooky ghost story is woven seamlessly into the rest of the plot. Bug's voice was caring, considerate, and thoughtful. Any prospective middle schooler would get something out of this book...whether it be relating to feelings of not fitting in, friendships being tested, or finding yourself.

lotak's review

emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective 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? No

3.0

micaelacccc's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Dysphoria, Death, and Grief

burgundyshoes's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious

4.75

jbrooks124's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

It's always just been Bug, their mom, and  uncle Rodrick. But at the start of the summer before beginning middle school, Bug's uncle Rodrick passes away after a long illness. Bug is doing their best, spending time outside and with their best friend, Moira. But Moira's interests are shifting, with her focus now more on make-up and nail polish and boys, and Bug isn't feeling similarly. In fact, more often than not, when Bug looks in the mirror, the person staring back doesn't look quite right. And though Bug's house has always been haunted, it seems as though a new ghost has come. Is it the ghost of uncle Rodrick? What is he trying to tell Bug?

As noted in the summary, this is a heartwarming story about a kid navigating the realization that there isn't something wrong with their mirror, or something wrong with them, but that they are in fact transgender. Short, sweet, a tale of figuring out who you are as a pre-teen. This would be a good one for any kid, just with the general nature of ~figuring oneself out~. Though the subject matter has the potential to be heavy, this book is filled with love. Would recommend!