Gender
Gender is the book's central theme. Bug repeatedly describes feeling uncomfortable with being a girl. When he is given a makeover by Moira he faints. Similarly, when Moira gives him a dress, he knows he looks nice, but somehow feels wrong wearing it. When Bug looks in the mirror, he says that the face that looks back at him does not actually seem to be his. His discomfort in these moments suggests that he senses a conflict between how he presents in the world and how he feels internally. After his uncle shaves his head, using his spectral powers, Bug comes to realize that he is a boy. This news is accepted happily and warmly by both Bug's mother and Moira. The novel explores how Bug comes to understand his true gender identity and how this process of self-discovery can be complex. Bug gradually comes to see that the discomfort he felt with being seen as a girl was reflective of the gender he was all along.
Sexuality
Sexuality is another prominent theme in the novel. Bug's uncle Roderick is gay. Bug mentions past boyfriends that Roderick had, while Bug's mother mentions how secure in himself Roderick always was. While Bug's mother also says that he was nervous to tell their parents about his sexuality, she emphasizes that he was always able to be upfront and honest about every part of himself. The novel treats this element as a very commonplace part of his character and describes his partners in the same way as it describes straight couples elsewhere in the book. Bug expresses some ambivalence about kissing boys to Roderick, and he tells him that he has time to sort that out and that whoever he is or isn't attracted to is more than alright. As it does with gender, the book frames sexuality as something that the characters deserve the space to figure out and the right to express without judgment from others.
Grief
Another major theme in the novel is grief. The story begins with the death of Bug's uncle Roderick. He is very close to Bug and Bug's mother and is an essential part of their household. He and Bug spend a great deal of time together and he makes Bug feel accepted and loved. Much of the book deals with the fallout of his death, as Bug and his mother try to go on without him. This lingering grief is represented physically by Roderick's haunting of the house, as his memory will literally not leave Bug alone. Roderick's supernatural behavior is representative of the way in which his death left such a significant gap in Bug's life, particularly as he was now left without her closest confidante. The novel shows the way in which grief leaves the characters reeling, uncertain of how to reckon with a profound loss.
Money
Money is also a significant theme in the novel. Bug's mother repeatedly mentions their difficult financial circumstances, as her greeting-card business has begun to suffer from a period of decline. She tells Bug this will mean he cannot go to summer camp and that they will likely need to sell the house. Bug is upset by this news but takes it in stride. The narrative reveals how a lack of money can undercut stability in people's lives, as Bug is suddenly struggling with various changes to his lifestyle and the stress of seeing his mother under such significant pressure. A lack of money is something that he cannot completely understand the cause of, but whose harmful impact he sees fully.
Friendship
Friendship is another core theme in the novel. Bug is close friends with Moira. Despite their differences, Moira is someone who Bug feels comfortable sharing things with. While Moira often appears overly focused on making new friends and getting ready for the new school year, she nevertheless treats Bug kindly and makes an effort to better understand Bug. When Bug tells Moira about his gender identity, Moira reacts warmly and excitedly. Friendship, as it is portrayed in the novel, is often complex and imperfect but is a huge source of connection and comfort to the characters.
Family
Family is another major theme in the novel. Bug is close with both his mother and his uncle Roderick. His uncle Roderick is someone he can confide in. When he is alive, he tries to show Bug that there is no singular way to be with regard to both gender and sexuality, as he is proudly gay and participates in drag shows. Bug's mother loves her brother deeply and is the first person he came out to when they were younger. Towards the end of the novel, Bug's mother is immensely supportive of Bug's realization about his gender. The book shows how, like friendship, the love and acceptance of family are crucial in the affirmation of Bug's self-discovery.
Coming of Age
Coming of age is another important theme in the book. While Bug is wrestling with the loss of his uncle and figuring out who he really is, he is also concerned about the coming school year. It feels particularly important because he will be starting middle school in the fall and the transition feels dramatic. Bug's desire to understand himself and his feelings of being in the wrong body are heightened by the fact that puberty and becoming a young adult feel just around the corner. Coming of age is a major aspect of the book in that it instigates some of Bug's desire to see himself more clearly.
