TBH #1
Lisa Greenwald
TBH #1
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
TBH, This Is So Awkward
by Lisa Greenwald
The text is written at a 4th 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
Have you ever wondered what happens when a secret text message gets sent to the wrong person? Cecily, Gabby, and Prianka have been best friends forever, but when a mean message accidentally reaches Victoria, the new girl, everything changes. Will their friendship survive the biggest challenge middle school can throw at them?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel, told entirely through text messages, explores themes of friendship, bullying, and social dynamics in a relatable school setting. Intended for ages 9-12, it addresses the impact of exclusion and the consequences of hurtful communication in a way that encourages empathy and self-reflection. Parents should note that the story includes bullying but handles it with sensitivity appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated TBH #1 9ME
TBH #1 is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 174 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, TBH #1 works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate TBH #1 as 9ME ("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, TBH #1 explores friendship, bullying, schools, and toleration — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about friendship, bullying, schools.
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
9ME — 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
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780062689924
- Pages
- 174
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction