I don't know what to say about this book. I tried to do a half up, half down thumb, but my teacher wouldn't let me. I gave it a thumbs up, but I had a lot of issues with the book. I thought the story was very well written, and told. I enjoyed reading it, and it truly reminded me of being a child myself. However, I do not think that it is appropriate for the age group that is recommended on the back cover. I think that it could be a great book for children 12 and up, and more so for children who are going through problems at home themselves. I for one, would not let my 9 year old, or even 11 year old read this book. I don't think it's appropriate for some children to learn about AA, NA, SA, OEA, at such a young age, and I surely don't want my own child coming to me asking what a scrotum is. I'd like to have that talk with my children when I think they are ready. I guess it just goes to show you, that you need to be careful about not only what you let your children watch, but also what they read. I told my group in class that someone should come up with a rating system like PG, and PG-13 for books... Like I said, the story is great, and very uplifting, but I don't agree with the age rating.