TBH, this is so awkward
Lisa Greenwald
TBH, this is so awkward
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Lisa Greenwald
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The buzz of incoming texts fills the air, each beep a secret waiting to be shared. Cecily, Gabby, and Prianka have always been inseparable, texting their way through middle school chaos — until a slip-up sends a hurtful message to Victoria, the new girl. Suddenly, their friendship faces its toughest test yet, and the hallways feel colder than ever.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Presented entirely through text messages, this middle-grade novel explores the complexities of friendship, bullying, and social inclusion in a relatable school setting. It highlights the challenges of navigating peer relationships and the consequences of digital communication among preteens. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains mild references to bullying and the use of cell phones in school.
Why we rated TBH, this is so awkward 11LE
TBH, this is so awkward is written at a Level 6 reading level across 212 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, TBH, this is so awkward works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate TBH, this is so awkward as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, TBH, this is so awkward explores bullying, friendship, middle school, text messaging, and social dynamics — 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 bullying, friendship, middle school.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780062689900
- Pages
- 212
- Publisher
- Katherine Tegen Books
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction