I read this book (a trilogy actually) when I was in junior high school, sixth grade I believe. I loved it then, but forgot the title of it amidst the rediculous quantities of books I read. Yet as I got older, I found myself occasionally thinking of the wonderful story and characters. Unfortunately, I could never remember the name of the book or the characters. But finally, I have managed to find it after much frustrated searching. If you have any question as to rather you would like to read this book, just remember that I spent fourteen years or so looking for it because I enjoyed it so much in my childhood...and that's a pretty good recommendation!