Books have a way of opening minds and sparking curiosity. On Wednesday, April 15, Newbery Honor-winning author Kyle Lukoff visited Grade 5 students in the Joseph Dana Allen Library. The author of Too Bright to See and more than a dozen other books for young readers, Lukoff is a former elementary school librarian, bookseller, and local Bay Ridge resident. He drew students into the writer’s mindset through questions about world-building, setting, and the small stylistic choices that shape a story. He read from the novel students had already begun in their English classes, led a lively Q&A, and signed books for students. His talk prompted a thoughtful discussion about everything from the writing process to identity.

Middle School Students Think Like A Published Writer 

Lukoff invited students to think like writers by considering how setting shapes a story, asking what changes when a scene takes place in the ocean, outer space, Hawaii, or Alaska. Students quickly offered ideas about weather, temperature, transportation, and even the kinds of jobs characters might have in different places. 

From there, Lukoff turned the discussion to one of the most important parts of storytelling: making choices that help readers trust the world on the page. He pressed students to think about what a ghost can and cannot do, and why an author might make that decision. As students considered how those choices affect suspense, surprise, and the story’s emotional impact, they began to see how even a small detail can shape the way a reader experiences a novel.

Lukoff then read an excerpt from Too Bright to See, and the room stayed rapt,  with students leaning in as he spoke. A few followed along in their own copies, while others listened closely to the text and the questions that followed. By connecting literary craft to specific moments in the novel, Lukoff helped students understand how writers make intentional choices about pacing, character, and plot.

Students didn’t just want to talk about the book—they were eager to learn about the person behind it. When one student asked when he knew he wanted to write, Lukoff shared that although he had always enjoyed writing, he did not think of it as a career until later. He described spending time writing short stories at a coffee shop when he was 22, an experience that helped ease his loneliness and eventually led to a summer spent writing a novel. He noted that there was not one defining moment that made him a writer; rather, storytelling became a meaningful way to connect with others and with himself. 

Students also inquired about including transness in his work. Lukoff explained that being transgender is a central part of his life and community, and therefore a natural part of the stories he chooses to tell. He also reflected on the editorial discussions around Too Bright to See, sharing that he intentionally resisted a familiar trope that would have introduced rejection into a coming-out storyline. Instead, he chose to present acceptance and support, saying readers responded strongly because trans people had not often been shown that kind of affirmation on the page.

Meaningful Moments and Takeaways

Nina D. ’33 was inspired by Lukoff’s written message about self-discovery in the signed copy of her book, helping her better understand the story and its impact.

“When I brought my book to get signed, there was a little message inside that said, ‘Be you,’ and that really made me happy. It was also really cool to meet the author after reading the book because he talked about things I never noticed before and explained more about how he wrote it. I learned a lot more about the story from hearing him in person. I was also surprised when he said the book won four awards because getting an award for a book feels really special. One thing that really stood out to me was when he said that in all of his books, the characters end up finding out who they are. I found that really inspiring, and it gave the book a much bigger meaning to me.” 

Cole F. ’33 shared that the author visit was his first time meeting a published writer in person.

“I thought it was cool to meet the author after reading the book. It allowed me to learn more about the mysteries in it and hear [Lukoff’s] perspective. I also liked the book because it had a lesson about learning to accept yourself and find who you are, instead of changing for other people. That was one of my favorite parts, and it made English class even more exciting because meeting the author was such a surprise.”

Jason S. ’33 reflected on his excitement in meeting a transgender author, whose experiences connected to the story. He highlights the importance of continuing to bring LGBTQ+ representation to campus, in order to further normalize people’s differences and show the diversity within the trans community.

“One thing that really stood out to me was finding out that the author was trans, like the character in the book. I thought that was really cool. It was also interesting hearing more about the characters and learning there’s another book coming out. I asked him what Bug’s actual name was, because they kept it kind of secret in the story, and I thought it was really interesting that Bug never actually had an original name, so readers can kind of imagine it themselves.

I also think it’s important for Poly to keep bringing different kinds of writers to campus because every writer is different, and having authors from the LGBTQ+ community helps people understand each other more. When someone comes in person and talks about their experiences, it shows that it’s something people have in common.”

About the Author

Kyle Lukoff is the author of the middle grade novel Too Bright to See, which was a 2022 Newbery Honor book, the 2022 Stonewall Award winner, and a National Book Award finalist. He also wrote the Stonewall-award winning picture book When Aidan Became a Brother, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita, which “sets a new standard of excellence in transgender representation,” according to a Kirkus starred review. His third novel, A World Worth Saving, was also shortlisted for the National Book Award. See more.