Kyle's (in)complete guide to writer Kyle (Lukoff)
A love letter to my friend and an intro to his many, many transformational books.
Dear Kyle,
Dating apps were brand new to me when I created my OK Cupid profile. You know just as well as I do how men like us confuse the algorithms. How do we get sorted? Who will see us? And then I saw you. In my memory, you were sitting on a rock. Or were you in a tree? Your sweet eyes caught mine—wow, a Kyle like me. I swiped right.
We matched and texted jokes about our shared chosen name. I suggested a corner bar between us, Bearded Lady. It also made you giggle.
A third of the way into that first beer, I knew I had met a new brother. I needed a friend more than anything in the world, and you were wise, witty, and loved books. I may be older, and maybe a smidge taller, but I have been looking up to you ever since.
When we met, you shared with me your life as a school librarian and your dream to be a full-time author. What a gift to witness you manifest your dreams. I’m so proud of your accomplishments, appreciative of everything you’ve taught me, and thrilled that the many books you’ve written invite the world to see, and hopefully love, people like us.
xx
other Kyle
P.S. I wrote an annotated bibliography of your books. I’ll try to keep it updated as you keep on publishin’
P.S.S. Not only are your books beautifully written—they are all gorgeously illustrated. Three cheers to teams of artists, editors, and your steadfast agent who helps support the work.
« The complete (for now) Kyle Lukoff bibliography »
Middle Grade Novels
Too Bright to See (2021)
Kyle’s first novel deservedly won big awards. It’s a coming-of-age queer ghost story set in an old house in the middle of the woods. Kyle nails the supernatural unknown that is adolescence through the voice of 11-year-old Bug. Cover art by Noah Gringi. 2022 Newbery Honor Book, 2022 Stonewall Book Award winner, National Book Award finalist. (Bookshop)
Different Kinds of Fruit (2022)
This book hits very, very close to home. Annabelle starts sixth grade expecting more of the same until her world is turned upside down by a new classmate. It’s not my story exactly, but the book features a trans dad (me!) and a kid growing up with queer parents (also me!) It was particularly moving to read nuanced intergenerational dialogue between an earnest nonbinary kid and a world-weary FTM dad. I look forward to my daughter reading soon. Cover art by Ana Vonhuben(Bookshop)
“May we be blessed to learn from our history and charged to be inspired by our future.”—Kyle Lukoff
A World Worth Saving (2025)
Kyle describes his latest as “Percy Jackson, but Jewish and trans.” The book is his most ambitious and heart-wrenching to date. We follow A as he sets out to find his missing friend and defeat transphobia before Yom Kippur ends. All with the help of a trash Golem. It’s fantasy, and all too real. Cover art by Sas Milledge. (Bookshop)
Picture Books
A Storytelling of Ravens (2018)
Kyle’s debut picture book teaches you the collective nouns you never knew you needed. I always think cats are a nuisance, but I’d never thought of an ostentation of peacocks or the parliament of owls. Art by Natalie Nelson. (Bookshop)
When Aidan Became a Brother (2019)
Young Aidan becomes himself just in time to prepare for his little sibling. An easy, relatable story for kids (and their parents) to understand what being trans feels like and how to make welcoming environments for all. Art by Kaylani Juanita. 2020 Stonewall Book Award winner. (Bookshop)
Max and Friends Series (2019)
In the first book, we meet Max looking in the mirror, seeing himself as a boy with spiky brown hair, two parents, and one goldfish. Max also sees himself as trans and explains to the reader in age-appropriate terms what that means for him. Througout the series we see Max being… a kid. Revolutionary. Art by Luciano Lozano.
Explosion at the Poem Factory (2020)
Haikus, anacrusis, refrains, oh my! Kyle Lukoff is a lover of words, structure, and structured words. He’s also a natural teacher who can’t wait to share some linguistic knowledge with you. You’ll learn a whole lot of poetic vocabulary reading Explosion at the Poem Factory over and over. (Thankfully, he also includes a glossary.) Art by Mark Hoffman. (Bookshop)
If You're a Kid Like Gavin (2022)
Kyle teams up with activist Gavin Grimm to tell the true story of fighting for his right to use the boys’ bathroom. Art by J Yang. (Bookshop)
Awake, Asleep (2023)
Kyle’s foray into the rhythmic “go to sleep” read-aloud genre. Had my kid been younger when this came out, I would have it memorized. I have the hardback, but rec the board book for any new parents in your orbit. Art by Nadia Alam. (Bookshop)
I'm Sorry You Got Mad (2024)
Jack struggles to find the right way to apologize. Jack is all of us. My daughter is old enough now to enjoy giving Jack empathetic guidance after every insufficient attempt at a written apology is trashed. Jack eventually figures it out, and we’re all better off having this beautiful story of repair. Art by Julie Kwon. (Bookshop)
There’s No Such Thing as Vegetables (2024)
To be friends with Kyle is to quickly learn that vegetables are not a real category. This core life truth figures prominently in Different Kinds of Fruit and gets a quick reference in A World Worth Saving—but now he’s put his life’s work into one delicious story. There are fruits and roots. And flowers. But not vegetables. And once you learn to question one category, maybe you’ll open your attachment to some others. Art by Andrea Tsurumi. (Bookshop)
Just What to Do (2024)
When something sad happens to someone we love, how can we help? Kyle writes a simple, and yet extremely profound, story of learning to give the kind of care that someone needs. Art by Hala Tahboub. (Bookshop)
My Little Golden Book About Pride (2025)
Kyle wrote the Little Golden Book About Pride!!! That’s it. That’s all you need to know. Art by Michelle Jing Chan. (Bookshop)
Are You a Friend of Dorothy? (2025)
I have nothing to say because despite our years-long friendship… I did not get an advance copy. Pre-order now, launches April 29th. Art by Levi Hastings. (Bookshop)
Early Readers
I still remember the sheepish smile on Kyle’s face when he said to me, “I’m getting to write a series—about merrrrrmaids!” File under the ever-growing list of books that showcase diversity through sea creatures. Great for the early reader in your life who likes a little shimmer. Art by Kat Uno.
The Sunken Ship | Mermaid Days #1 (Bookshop)
The Sea Monster | Mermaid Days #2 (Bookshop)
A New Friend | Mermaid Days #3 (Bookshop)
