Kyle Lukoff is the author of many books for young readers. His debut middle-grade novel, Too Bright to See, received a Newbery Honor, the Stonewall award, and was a National Book Award finalist. His picture book When Aidan Became a Brother also won the Stonewall. He has forthcoming books about mermaids, babies, apologies, and lots of other topics. While becoming a writer he worked as a bookseller for ten years, and then nine more years as a school librarian.

National Book Award Finalist
Indie Next Pick
A Best Book of the Year: Publishers Weekly, Chicago Public Library, School Library Journal, Kirkus
Jane Addams Children's Book Award Finalist
Sydney Taylor Notable Book
ALA Rainbow Book List Pick
ALSC Notable Children's Book

★ "Lukoff both explores and then subverts the chosen-one trope through A's battle with his personal demons... The resolution is both honest and hopeful. Powerful and awakening." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Satisfying [and] horror-tinged... This superb fantastical adventure tackles serious real-world problems faced by queer youth via unique interpretations of Jewish mysticism that, paired with A's powerfully raw emotional journey, further flesh out the thrilling plot." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "Protests, politics, and hate are given a magical form, adding layers of visual understanding and a bit of distance from the pain of these experiences... A must-purchase; this is a timely title for middle school students as well as parents, teachers, and librarians who are looking for powerful mirrors or windows into trans experiences." --School Library Journal, starred review

★ "Lukoff crafts a stunning powerhouse of fantasy and real-world issues... This is an excellent choice for anyone who is looking for Hell Followed with Us by Andrew Joseph White for a middle-grade audience." --Booklist, starred review

"Kyle Lukoff has given us something rare and beautiful--a novel that combines wondrous fantasy, searing real-world relevance, and a frank empathetic understanding of the adolescent experience that hits so viscerally I can only compare it to the way my generation experienced Judy Blume. The way Lukoff combines these elements in a page-turning adventure is nothing short of magic!" --Rick Riordan, New York Times bestselling author of Percy Jackson and the Olympians

"This is a welcome fantasy starring a trans and Jewish hero that engages thoughtfully with both those identities." --The Horn Book

Publisher: Bound to Stay Bound Books

Pub date: 2025-02-04

Length: 335 pages