Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (injuries, frightening situations)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
It's the summer before middle school and 11yo Bug is not as excited as best friend Moira about starting school. All Moira wants to talk about is her clothes and hair and makeup. Bug isn't interested in cute new clothes, and makeup is no big deal; Bug's uncle Roderick had been a drag queen, and he recently passed away, and Bug is grieving. Bug has always felt their farmhouse was haunted, but since Uncle Roderick died it's gotten a lot worse and Bug thinks someone, or something may be trying to send a message.
Lukoff is a master story teller. I was engaged right from the start. The haunting is pretty intense a couple of times, but not creepy or nightmare inducing, so perfectly appropriate for upper elementary and middle school readers. I loved Bug so much, their internal struggles with gender identification and coming to terms with how to present in middle school were perfect. A supportive parent was great to see. Kids will read this for the scare and build empathy, or see themselves reflected in Bug's mirror. Loved it!
Lisa Librarian
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