A Totally Awkward Love Story
by Tom Ellen, Lucy Ivison
2016
Mature content — preview before assigning
Reading level 4.8 (4th grade) · ages 14+
Flagged for mature content — preview before assigning
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Genre
Themes
- first love
- coming of age
- friendship
- awkwardness and miscommunication
- sexuality and virginity
- self-discovery
- peer pressure
- humor and embarrassment
About this book
A funny, frank British YA rom-com about two awkward teens, Hannah and Sam, whose almost-encounter at a party sparks a chaotic summer of missed signals, bad advice, best-friend drama, and unexpected chemistry as they navigate first love, friendship, and the pressure to lose their virginity after exams. Originally published in the UK as Lobsters.
Setting: Contemporary England during the summer after A-levels, spanning house parties, road trips, and a music festival
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Totally Awkward Love Story right for my child?
Use caution — A Totally Awkward Love Story has mature content worth previewing first. The reading level is AR 4.8, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include first love, coming of age, friendship. This book is flagged for mature content — worth previewing before assigning.
How long does it take to read A Totally Awkward Love Story?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, A Totally Awkward Love Story takes around 9.4h to finish. The book has 85,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Totally Awkward Love Story have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Totally Awkward Love Story has an AR quiz available, worth 12 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is A Totally Awkward Love Story?
A Totally Awkward Love Story has an AR reading level of 4.8, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.