Description

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Poet and author Robin Gow’s moving middle-grade novel-in-verse about a young trans boy dealing with the loss of his friend by writing to his favorite cryptid, Mothman

A few months ago, Noah’s best friend and the only other trans boy in his school, Lewis, passed away in a car accident. Feeling lost and alone, Noah starts writing letters to Mothman, Lewis’s favorite cryptid, wondering if he would understand how Noah feels. At first, Noah isn’t sure whether he actually believes in Mothman—not like Lewis did. But when strange things start to happen around his wooded home, Noah wonders whether there might be something to the stories. He decides to make his science fair project about Mothman, despite his teacher’s urging to study something “real.” As Noah’s mind begins to open, so does his world. He makes friends with a group of girls in his grade and finally feels like he belongs. But most people are not so accepting, and he has no evidence to prove that Mothman exists. With the science fair looming closer, Noah decides to risk everything, trek into the woods, and find Mothman himself.

Moving and lyrical, Dear Mothman is a story about finding belonging and hope in the most unexpected places.

“A hauntingly moving examination of grief, friendship, and identity, reminiscent of my favorite classics. Robin Gow has a magic with words, stirring and shining a light on the deepest of emotions, leaving behind goosebumps (and tears) for Noah’s story. This book is a gift.” —Kacen Callender, author of the National Book Award winner King and the Dragonflies

About the Author

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Robin Gow is a trans poet and author from rural Pennsylvania. They are the author of several poetry books, an essay collection, the middle grade verse novel Dear Mothman, and the young adult verse novel A Million Quiet Revolutions. They live in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where they coordinate programs for their local LGBTQ+ community center.

Praise For…

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“A hauntingly moving examination of grief, friendship, and identity, reminiscent of my favorite classics. Robin Gow has a magic with words, stirring and shining a light on the deepest of emotions, leaving behind goosebumps (and tears) for Noah’s story. This book is a gift.”
— Kacen Callender, author of the National Book Award winner King and the Dragonflies

“Dear Mothman gives us all the chance to step out of the shadows—when we’re ready. Gow has crafted a story full of secrets, sadness, and the gentle thrill of knowing who you are.”
— Niki Smith, author of The Golden Hour

“This tender story explores the emotional journey of navigating loss and feelings of being different. It illuminates the power of friendship, imagination, and compassion to make a person feel celebrated for exactly who they are. An important heart-book that will make young readers feel seen and understood.”
— Donna Gephart, author of Lily and Dunkin and Abby, Tried and True

***STARRED REVIEW***
“A ­triumphant coming-of-age story about gender identity, strength, and friendship, as well as the different ways that people ­discover who they are.” 
— School Library Journal

***STARRED REVIEW*** 
“At times thrilling and always moving, Gow's middle-grade debut is unquestionably a must-have for all collections.”
 
— Booklist

"Gow captures the complexity of emotions that arise amid grief and self-discovery. . .Poignant and sincere." 
— Kirkus Reviews

“Gow beautifully blends verse with epistolary storytelling in this touching novel of a trans kid trying to search for answers about identity and belonging.”
— The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

“Noah’s journey through grief and coming out to the world is authentically messy and joyful.”
 
— The Horn Book Magazine