Kyle Lukoff knows how to captivate readers, and he also knows what it feels like to have his books taken captive by bans. Because in picture books like Call Me Max and middle grade novels like Different Kinds of Fruit, Kyle introduces characters who proudly defy common expectations of gender identity. Trans readers love to see themselves reflected in his books. But frankly, Kyle's giving readers of all backgrounds the opportunity to think more deeply about our own journeys of self-discovery.

In this candid interview, the acclaimed author pulls back the curtain on his creative process—how he threads the needle to create inclusive and captivating stories without getting preachy about it. We focus especially on his spooky middle-grade novel Too Bright to See. 

Kyle Lukoff is the award-winning author of several picture books including the Stonewall Award winner When Aiden Became a Brother, Explosion at the Poem Factory, and the acclaimed Call Me Max. His first middle-grade novel, Too Bright To See, was a finalist for the National Book Award, received six starred reviews, and appeared on numerous "best of the year" lists. His accolades include the Stonewall Book Award, and Newberry Honor author. After working as a bookseller and a school librarian, he now writes full time. 

Full transcript available here at relationscapes.org.