So hard to say
Alex Sanchez
So hard to say
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Alex Sanchez
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The buzz of chatter fills the school hallway, mixed with the scent of fresh notebooks and pizza from the cafeteria. Xio’s heart races when Frederick walks in—shy, sweet, and just the kind of person she’s been waiting for. But Frederick’s thoughts drift to Victor, the soccer captain, stirring a secret storm beneath the surface.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This young adult novel explores themes of friendship, identity, and first love through the experiences of Frederick, who navigates complex feelings while joining a new school and social circle. The story addresses LGBTQ+ themes and the challenges of dating and self-discovery, suitable for teens aged 13-18. Parents should note the exploration of romantic feelings and social dynamics typical of adolescent experiences.
Why we rated So hard to say 11ME
So hard to say is written at a Level 6 reading level across 240 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, So hard to say works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate So hard to say as 11ME ("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 — 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, So hard to say explores lgbtq+ representation, friendship, coming of age, romance, and social themes — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about lgbtq+ representation, friendship, coming of age.
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
11ME — 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
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
So, so hood
L. Divine
So, so hood
L. Divine
The inexplicable logic of my life
Benjamin Alire Sáenz
The inexplicable logic of my life
Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Rainbow boys
Alex Sanchez
Rainbow boys
Alex Sanchez
Trying hard to hear you
Sandra Scoppettone
Trying hard to hear you
Sandra Scoppettone
Of all the stupid things
Alexandra Diaz
Of all the stupid things
Alexandra Diaz
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781416911890
- Pages
- 240
- Publisher
- Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 2006-05
- Type
- Fiction