Unsure about the age group for my book

[Patricia]

Hi, I was a substitute teacher for most of my career for a wide range of ages, all the way from Day Care to Middle School. Now that I'm retired and writing for children, I think my writing reflects all the ages I've worked with. I say that my book is for ages 6 to 10, but it really could be more than that.
Beryl's Journey is an environmental, adventure tale involving nature spirits, humans, and animals, in a modern day setting. There are many full color illustrations. The paperback book has 115 pages. It is also an eBook.
I'd love to hear from some Middle Grade readers. I would be glad to send you an e-book gift of Beryl's Journey if you think you or your child would be interested in a story like this and will let me know what you think.
Please send me a private message... Thanks, Patricia

[Cheryl]

How old is Beryl? I find that kids usually tend to read about kids a little bit older than they are. Are the parents or other adults active characters, or just background roles? - If the former, maybe older children or families would like it, too. Have you tried to read it aloud at all? If it's easy to read, and if the place & people's names are easy to figure out how to pronounce, then it might make a good family read, especially as it's rather short.

Sorry I don't know a child to test it on.

[Patricia]

Cheryl in CC NV wrote: "How old is Beryl? I find that kids usually tend to read about kids a little bit older than they are. Are the parents or other adults active characters, or just background roles? - If the former, m..."
Thank you for the comments, Cheryl. Your questions made me think about my story in a different way. I wasn't sure how old Beryl was, but as I thought about it, I decided he must be a young teenager, like Middle Schoolers. He's just starting to become independent, leaving home but still coming back in the evening. He likes Irelynn, who is in the first grade, not because of her age, but because she seems to see his world.
His parents and Elders are not a big part of the story, but the small part they play is very important. They are compassionate and wise, but at the same time their "traditions" do end up causing a conflict toward the end which is resolved in a magical way.
You have helped me realize that this may be a story for Middle School. This may be the age group that can lead the younger ones into the meaning of the story. Thanks, again... Patricia

[Cheryl]

Ok, I'm sorry, I know it's too late to do anything about it, and it shouldn't be important... but I assumed the name 'Beryl' referred to a female, and if I were to read your book I'd feel a dissonance.... However, maybe you have enough cretive names & context in the world you built that I'd get over it.

I'm very glad to have been able to help.