Things You Can't Say
Jenn Bishop
Things You Can't Say
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jenn Bishop
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.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Drew’s summer is falling apart in ways he never expected, from losing his favorite library spot to his best friend drifting away. But the biggest mystery is the strange man who’s moved in with his family—who is he really? Sometimes, the hardest questions are the ones you’re scared to ask, but finding the truth can change everything.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores complex themes like grief, friendship, and the challenges of emotional growth through the eyes of a boy coping with the loss of his father. It sensitively addresses difficult topics such as suicide and forgiveness, making it suitable for readers aged 9-12 who are ready to engage with thoughtful social themes. Parents should be aware that the story touches on emotional struggles but presents them in an accessible and hopeful way.
Why we rated Things You Can't Say 12IE
Things You Can't Say is written at a Level 7 reading level across 352 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Things You Can't Say works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Things You Can't Say as 12IE ("Intense — 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, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Suicide Mention, Grief.
Thematically, Things You Can't Say explores friendship, grief, family, and social themes — 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, grief, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — Intense — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
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
Things We Can't Undo
Gabrielle Reid
Things We Can't Undo
Gabrielle Reid
Say Something
Jennifer Brown (undifferentiated)
Say Something
Jennifer Brown (undifferentiated)
The Things She's Seen
Ambelin Kwaymullina
The Things She's Seen
Ambelin Kwaymullina
Can't Look Away
Donna Cooner
Can't Look Away
Donna Cooner
The Things We All Know but too Afraid to Say
Sonya Matejko
The Things We All Know but too Afraid to Say
Sonya Matejko
Tell Me Three Things
Julie Buxbaum
Tell Me Three Things
Julie Buxbaum
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781534440982
- Pages
- 352
- Publisher
- Aladdin
- Published
- 2021
- Type
- Fiction