#tbt: So Hard to Say by Alex Sanchez

So Hard to Say by Alex Sanchez. 240 p. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, September, 2004. 9780689865640. (Own)

New boy, Frederick, catches the eye of chatty and popular Xio. This helps ease the transition from Wisconsin to Southern California for him as she enfolds him into her group of friends. Xio is fun and Frederick likes her. He also joins a pick up soccer team and clicks with Victor. Xio's feelings for Frederick become stronger and Frederick doesn't reciprocate. He worries about their friendship and is confused about his growing feelings for Victor. This novel, at turns hilarious and poignant, perfectly captures middle school and feelings of first love. Chapters switch the point of view between Frederick and Xio and both narrators endear.