Moira is Jealous of Bug (Situational Irony)
Towards the end of the novel, Moira tells Bug that she is jealous of his focus and academic ability. This is surprising to Bug because Moira has always seemed to fit in better and be more self-assured. In this instance of dramatic irony, Bug comes to realize that Moira shares many of his insecurities.
Bug Loves the First Day of School (Situational Irony)
Towards the end of the novel, after discovering his true gender, Bug has his first day of school. He is excited to go and has a nice time with his friends, particularly Moira and Griffin. Previously, the idea of starting middle school filled Bug with dread, as it meant becoming a teenage girl. However, now that he finally feels comfortable in his body, he is able to actually enjoy school and the first day instead becomes a source of happiness. In this occurrence of situational irony, Bug ends up loving something he was deeply anxious about.
Bug's Mother's Sympathy Cards Aren't Selling (Situational Irony)
Moira’s mom has a business selling very blunt sympathy cards. Unfortunately, she finds that her business is in a rough spot after Roderick’s death. She struggles immensely, as she is contending with both the loss of her brother and the possible end of her business. In this moment of situational irony, her business, which is built around comforting grieving people, is suffering while she is grieving.
The Dog Knows Bug's Gender (Dramatic Irony)
At Bug's birthday party, Chloe's dog, Brutus, runs around him and barks. Chloe notes that this is odd, as he usually only does that to boys. Brutus seems to know that Bug is a boy before he himself has come to that conclusion. In this instance of dramatic irony, the reader is made aware of Bug's gender before he is.
