So Hard To Say

Sanchez, Alex (2005). So Hard To Say. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

http://www.alexsanchez.com/So_Hard_To_Say/So_Hard_To_Say_Home_Page.htm

So Hard To Say is a book being targeted to middle school readers as well as teens. This book focuses on two characters, Xio and Frederick. Frederick is the shy new boy who moves to Xio’s school and they become friends quickly. Xio is fascinated with Frederick and wants a little bit more than just friendship but Frederick realizes he doesn’t like her that way. For some reason he cannot get his friend and soccer buddy Victor out of his mind. This book shows Frederick’s struggle for an identity and the tough choices that come along with it.

Alex Sanchez is an author of the Rainbow Boys, Rainbow High, and Rainbow Road, which are all books on high school characters. In an interview with Alex Sanchez about this book So Hard To Say, he stated that he was hearing from middle school teachers and librarians asking if he’d write books for younger readers. He also said that he thought about this and realized that middle school is when most kids reach puberty. Middle school is also when bullying and homophobia takes place. Romantic relationships develop at this time period and this book can address members of the same sex who may be attracted to one another. Boys and girls who can relate to this book might find that by reading about someone with a similar situation, it might make them less confused or alone. Having a variety of books included in libraries is important so the books can reach all individual differences. This way children are able to compare characters and experiences to their own lives. As a child is figuring out their own identity, it is extremely important to have reassurance through books and media that they are not alone.

This book does not only touch on the topic of homosexuality and homophobia but a variety of situations that middle schoolers have to face. These include moving to a new school, trying to fit in to different cliques, bullying, name calling, the separation of parents, different racial backgrounds and ethnicities, and new love. So Hard To Say tells the combined story of a boy and a girl who touch each other’s lives and who grow, change, and learn from each other. What makes this book so brilliant is that so many people can connect and relate to certain characters. For these reasons and because it’s an adventurous, hilarious and all around great novel, this book is the winner of the Lambda Literary Award.

This book is great assistance and reassurance to children who are gay or lesbian. Homophobia is very apparent in our society. You never know how people will react about homosexuality. This book shows that there is no rush when coming out and to not make any sudden moves until you yourself is ready. This book displays the importance of loving yourself and accepting yourself for who you are among all of your individual differences. Even within Xio’s group the “Sexies,” each girl is different from the next. There is the jock, the brains, the one the guys chase after, etc. This book is a fantastic array of differences and identities among middle schoolers making it easy for more students to relate. I feel that this book is essential in children’s literature today.

“Interview With Alex Sanchez.” Journal of Adolescence and Adult Literacy. 48.7 (April 2005).