Wednesday, September 21, 2022

#tbt: So Hard to Say by Alex Sanchez

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

Happy Thursday and first day of fall! #tbt features So Hard to Say by Alex Sanchez. This book was published in 2004 and was Mr. Sanchez's middle grade debut. He made his YA debut in 2001 with the publication of Rainbow Boys. 

So Hard to Say switches points of view between eighth graders Frederick and Xio. Frederick has just moved to California. Pretty and popular  María Xiomara Iris Juárez Hidalgo, Xio, befriends him immediately. Frederick appreciates being accepted by Xio and her posse, "the sexies," but grows uncomfortable when he realizes that Xio is developing a crush on him. He likes her as a friend and is startle to find that he may be developing a crush on his soccer buddy, Victor. 

Frederick and Xio are thoughtful and relatable as they navigate their complicated feelings. The book is short and accessible, allowing readers windows and mirrors. 

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