TOO BRIGHT TO SEE

Narrator Jax Jackson quickly convinces listeners of Bug's determination to acquire a sense of self before middle school. There are several reasons for this: his beloved Uncle Roddy's death, a ghostly presence that haunts his dreams, and viewpoints he holds that don't jibe with friends' interests. Jackson's delivery also conveys the deeper uncertainty this 11-year-old is facing. By exploring Uncle Roddy's open gayness and past--he was a drag queen--Bug begins to understand his transgender identity. He finally concludes, "I've never recognized myself before, but now I do." Jackson gives a realistic representation of grief, friendship, and coming out for a middle grade audience, along with a dose of ghost story. The production includes a contextual afterword by the author. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2021]