We've got your back. With the Tough-O-Meter, you'll know whether to bring extra layers or Swiss army knives as you summit the literary mountain. (10 = Toughest)
(2) Sea Level
The American Library Association named Bronx Masquerade one of its 2003 "Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers," so you know this book is going to be pretty easy and breezy for anyone high school age and up (source). The story is short and the constantly changing voices keep it sharp and interesting. Poetry can sometimes be tough to understand for a novice, but the students in Mr. Ward's class keep their verses pretty light, even while digging into some pretty heavy-duty subject matter. In other words, you can tackle this book. We totally believe in you.