Welcome to Litsy!

Not being a MiddleGrade student, it‘s probably unfair of me to rate, so let‘s call it a low pick. Born a girl but uncomfortable with culture messages of what she *should* be interested in, Bug is also mourning her recently deceased Uncle (who might be haunting her!) I could identify with the confusion of being told “just be yourself!” But WHO is YOU when you don‘t know what you feel and are uncomfortable in your own skin? #BannedBook #Transgender

I requested all three of these books because a friend told me that an Ohio teacher has been reprimanded for offering these to her students. I don‘t know all the details but I do know and fully believe in allowing books be available to readers. Letting my library know these books are valued. #readbannedbooks #heatedblanket #bringit #lfg

Empowering 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️

This is the story of Bug, who, when looking in the mirror, thinks, “It looks like someone‘s idea of what I look like, without me behind it.”
This is a ghost story, a grief story, a growing up story. This is a story about finding yourself.
This is a beautiful middle grade novel.
I loved it.

I mostly listened to the audio version which was well done.

This is a beautiful book about grief and loss. About a kid trying to make sense of the world without a family member who, now, appears to be haunting their family house. Manifesting ghosts through said grief allows Bug to figure what the Uncle needed to say as he prepares to pass. The result makes sense through the subtle hints.
Picked up because it‘s cause controversy as my library‘s new book clubs first choice.
#lgbtq

I loved Lukoff‘s children‘s book, Call Me Max, so it‘s no surprise that I loved this middle grade book as well. I cried for the last 40 pages or so. It makes me sad that The NY Times review on the back is probably correct on the book being banned.

⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Bug's summer is off to a bad start. Uncle Roderick passed away, mom can't afford camp, and best-friend Moira is pushing makeovers & manicures, which Bug doesn't like. Plus, Bug's house is haunted by a new ghost. Is Uncle Roderick trying to pass along a message? And if so, what does it have to do with Bug?

This middle-grade story is about figuring out who you are, at an age when everyone is trying to do the same. It's full of love & hope.

Today was day one of a library conference for work! It's in Ann Arbor, which is a bookish city I have never been to before! 💕📚 The featured speaker today was Kyle Lukoff - a really awesome trans author who writes picture books and middle grade books!

#TransRightsReadathon Book 7

Engrossing and affirming. I cried happy tears!

#transrightsmatter #transrightsarehumanrights #middlegrademarch

A story about two friends, Bug and Moria, during their summer before middle school. Moria decides that they should use the summer to prepare. None of this is very appealing to Bug, who doesn't want to spend more time trying to understand how to be a girl. Also, there's a ghost haunting Bug's house and maybe just Bug.

I love finding the line or quote that inspired the title!

New*ish* middle grade paranormal mystery, with a tasteful LQBTQ aspect. Recommend!

I‘m going to need to circle back you our last book, but my hold on our final 2022 Newbery #buddyread came in and it‘s short! Shall we try to read it this month @smilingshelves ? Hopefully I‘ll do better at this one, but I feel like we could do our own pace again and chat later if anything interesting comes up. I‘m definitely flagging a bit going into these last two this year! 😆🤷🏼‍♀️📚

What a wonderfully sadhappycreepydelightful coming-of-age story! I adored the ghost story aspect and how a character who had died before the book began had such a hand in guiding Bug‘s self-realization. I‘ve never read anything quite like this before; I‘ll definitely be watching for future books by Kyle Lukoff!

An amazing middle grade novel! I don't want to say much because I don't want to give anything away but it is about a child called Bug getting ready to enter middle school that lives in a haunted house and her uncle has just passed away. Definitely a perfect choice for pride month!

Day 9: Finished You‘ve Reached Sam, and Too Bright to See. 13 books total

#AwesomeApril #Readathon @Andrew65

Bug knows about ghosts. When Uncle Roderick dies, many things come to a head. Grief, money problems, increased ghost activity, and looming middle-grade. This book covers so many issues and does so in a pretty saccharine way. It is a fairy-tale version of finding yourself (Disney, not Grimm). However, it is sometimes nice to read sweet fairy-tales. They can offer us hope for a gentler world.

I get why this book won the Newbery Honor. Bug's journey and emotions are all painfully real, and I loved the ghost story aspect. I also loved that Bug's whole network was supportive! #mglit #childrenslit

My next audiobook is about a haunted house...

Bug is grieving Uncle Roderick, who has been as close as a parent. Grieving and getting ready for 7th grade and a new school leaves Bug feeling pressure to figure out who Bug is, or wants to be.

Bug‘s house has something to say about it too. Bug has always known the house is haunted, but none of the ghosts have been interested in communicating, until now…

Inspiring and heartwarming - all the 😭 😍
#LGBTQ #ownvoices #middlegrade

Super loved this big-hearted listen about a kid dealing with grief, being haunted, and discovering who they are.

This middle grade book packs a lot into its 192 pages & does so with hope, compassion, & empathy. It the summer before middle school & Bug feels adrift. Her uncle & best friend passes away, Bug‘s only other friend discovers boys & makeup & clothes which interest Bug not at all. Worst of all? Bug is being haunted by a ghost that really wants her attention. A remarkable story about grief & gender identity.

Reading outside on the patio before it gets too hot…

After the death of a beloved uncle, Bug is certain he's still haunting the house. Not only that but Bug's pretty sure that Uncle Roderick is trying to leave Bug a message from beyond the grave.... I can't really say much more without spoiling this story, but for those looking for some positive LGBTQ+ rep this is a great one to check out! Add it to your Pride display this year. It'll make a great addition!