Book review: So Hard to Say by Alex Sanchez

 

Genre:
Realistic Fiction, LGBT fiction

Interest Level:
Ages 11-14

Reading Level:
Lexile 690, Grades 6-8.

Book Theme:
Crushes, Hispanic tweens, gay and lesbian tweens, friendship, new kid in school

Books with Similar Themes:  
Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary, Starting with Alice by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Bibliographic Information: 
Sanchez, A. (2004). So hard to say. New York: Simon Pulse. 

Plot:  So Hard to Say is the story of two middle school children named Frederick and Xio. Frederick has just moved to California from Wisconsin and is getting used to his new school and surroundings. Xio is a pretty and popular girl who wants Frederick to be her boyfriend. Xio is part of a group of female friends called las sexy seis (the sexy six) composed of Xio, José, María, Nora, and Carmen (two other girls from the group moved away) and they welcome Frederick into their group. The five of them talk about school gossip and crushes, including Carmen's crush Victor. Frederick finds himself dreaming about Victor too despite the advances of Xio. He doesn't understand why he doesn't like Xio that way and feels very confused as his feelings for Victor intensify. Xio is also confused why Frederick acts so shy and can't tell if Frederick wants to be her boyfriend or not. As the story continues Frederick begins to understand his feelings more and realizes he will have to tell Xio he isn't interested in her as a girlfriend, but can he tell her why without risking social rejection for all his classmates?


Review:  This fantastic book deals with some tough issues, some of which aren't often addressed in tween literature. Alex Sanchez tells Frederick's story in  way that makes the reader understand just how hard it is for someone that young to discover the possibility of being gay. He also tells Xio's story vividly and captures her feelings of confusion and heartbreak in a way that is both believable and touching. The characters are all distinct and have their own unique stories, which makes the book even more enjoyable. This is a great book for any tween who is struggling with questions about their sexuality or wants to understand what it is like to be a gay tween. It also wonderfully describes the Latino families of the characters and gives the readers a small glimpse into the Latino culture, especially when Xio takes a trip to visit her relatives in Mexico. I highly recommend this book to any tweens or adults who want to gain an understanding of what it's like to be a tween and be gay!

Notable Tweens Characters: 

Xio- Xio is one of the lead characters. Aside from her crush on Frederick the book also discusses her family life. Xio and her brother Stevie are being raised by their single mom who is reluctant to start dating again after her parent's divorce. Their father hardly ever calls anymore and Xio struggles with feelings of anger and sadness toward her father. When he does call Xio isn't sure whether she wants to tell him off or to talk with him.


Frederick- Frederick is the other lead character who is the new boy at his school. In addition to struggling with questions about his sexuality Frederick also deals with the feeling off loss after having to leave his friends and family in Wisconsin. One of the more memorable scenes in the book happens when Frederick is visiting Wisconsin and walks by his old house to find it completely changed and he must come to terms that it is no longer his home.

Joséfina (José)- José is the tomboy of las sexy seis. The idea of kissing boys doesn't interest her as much as it does the other girls.

María- María is the worrier of las sexy seis. The idea of kissing boys terrifies her.

Nora- Nora is the smart one of las sexy seis. Nora has a difficult relationship with her stepmother who often makes Nora go home early when she visits her father, often saying that she doesn't have enough room in their new family for Nora too. Nora often returns home crying after visiting her father.

Carmen- Carmen is the boy-crazy member of las sexy seis and wants Victor to be her boyfriend. She's the one the girls go to for wisdom about boys.

Victor-The handsome soccer player and potential love interest of Carmen and Frederick.

Iggy- A flaboyant classmate who is rumored to be gay. Frederick tries to avoid him but when his family spends Thanksgiving with Iggy's family Frederick finds Iggy is nice and they have a lot in common. He wants to ask Iggy questions but doesn't even dare talk to him at school for fear that he'll be called gay too.