Say the word
Jeannine Garsee
Say the word
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jeannine Garsee
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
Shawna Gallagher’s family story is nothing like she imagined — her mom left Ohio for New York City to live with her partner, and now everything Shawna thought she knew is changing fast. Secrets about her mom, her best friend, and even herself come to light in ways that shake her world. It’s a powerful journey that shows how discovering the truth can change who you are.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores themes of family change, grief, and LGBTQ+ identity through the eyes of a seventeen-year-old girl coping with the death of her estranged mother. It thoughtfully addresses complex family dynamics and self-discovery, making it suitable for readers aged 9-12 who are ready to engage with nuanced topics related to sexuality and loss. Parents should be aware that the story involves mature themes around family estrangement and grief but presents them sensitively.
Why we rated Say the word 12ME
Say the word is written at a Level 7 reading level across 360 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Say the word works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Say the word as 12ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Say the word explores family, lgbtq+ representation, grief, coming of age, and friendship — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, lgbtq+ representation, grief.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781599903330
- Pages
- 360
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury Publishing USA
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Fiction