Too Bright to See

Write an essay comparing and contrasting Too Bright to See to another book about transgender or nonbinary young people, such as Lily and Dunkin (2016) by Donna Gephart or The Fabulous Zed Watson! by Basil and Kevin Sylvester (2021). How do the books explore themes like coming of age and gender identity in similar and different ways?

How does the novel explore the paranormal differently than other works? What role do ghosts serve?

Moira, like Bug, is growing up and figuring out who she is. Write a diary entry from Moira’s point of view exploring her questions and concerns about growing up, making and keeping friends, and starting middle school.

Why did Uncle Roderick collect pamphlets about being transgender but choose not to share them with Bug? Use examples from the text to support your argument.

What role do dreams play in the novel? In what way are they signifiers for Bug’s struggles?

If the ghost of Uncle Roderick could speak, what would he say to Bug? Write a letter from Roderick’s point of view.

How does the first-person narration affect the telling of Bug’s story? How might the book have been different in tone and impact if told in third person?

What personal qualities does the novel find admirable? What qualities does it discourage? How does it convey this, and through which characters? Use examples from the text to support your answer.