Words we don't say
Reilly, K. J. (Writer of young adult fiction)
Words we don't say
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Reilly, K. J. (Writer of young adult fiction)
The text is written at a 6th 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
The hum of the soup kitchen fills Joel’s ears—the clatter of dishes, the murmur of quiet conversations, the scent of warm bread. Here, surrounded by strangers and stories, he hides his 901 unsent texts and a heart full of secrets. But as he watches the world around him, Joel starts to realize some words, even the ones you don’t say, can change everything.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows Joel, a boy coping with a tragic loss who struggles to connect with others and express his feelings. Through his volunteer work at a soup kitchen, Joel encounters diverse characters and begins to understand the importance of community, empathy, and healing. Appropriate for ages 9-12, the book sensitively handles themes of grief, friendship, and homelessness without graphic content.
Why we rated Words we don't say 11IE
Words we don't say is written at a Level 6 reading level across 274 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Words we don't say works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Words we don't say as 11IE ("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, 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, Words we don't say explores coming of age, friendship, family, social justice, and loss (psychology) — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
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 coming of age, friendship, family.
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
11IE — Intense — 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
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781368016339
- Pages
- 274
- Publisher
- Disney-Hyperion
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction