Saber-Tooth

Winner, LGBTQ+ Middle Grade Lammy Award (Lambda Literary Award)<BR><BR>Robin Gow's acclaimed middle grade novel in verse about a young trans boy dealing with the loss of his friend by writing to his favorite cryptid, Mothman<BR><BR>Moving and lyrical, Dear Mothman is a story about finding belonging and hope in the most unexpected places.<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>"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 DragonfliesAlso by Robin GowGooseberrySaber-Tooth

In Lanternfly August, Robin Gow contends with the emotional implications of home through the lens of an often-demonized species of insect.Lanternfly August by Robin Gow swirls the insect world and human identity into a fascinating mandala of self discovery and investigation. These poems use the lanternfly, an insect that is often regarded with disdain, as a lightning rod to channel thoughts about identity, gender, and self.Many of these poems focus on the concept of returning home. Specifically, the tension of returning to a place that you feel nostalgia for, but a place that nonetheless you've grown past.Tender but focused, Lanternfly August asks readers to question their relationship to the lanternfly. Why do we see it as a pest? Why doesn't it belong? What else in our lives do we hold in contempt, and why?This collection also features a bespoke interview with the writer at then end of the book, delving deeper into the craft, influences, and life behind their work.These complex poems also address place and the body in equal parts. Set against the thematic backdrop of the despised lanternfly, these poems consistently challenge humanity's responses to what we consider our home.