Very intense story and very well written. The main character Gerald and his step-sister Angel face verbal, physical, and sexual abuse but they find adults they trust and ask for help. Even though the themes are graphic and intense they are balances by the strength inside Gerald and Angel and the safety and stability they find when they reach out for help from trusted adults. When their parents let them down they get their role models from adults around them who earn their respect. I would recommend it for ages 14 and up although if you are thinking of buying this for pre-teen or teen I would recommend reading it first and judging for yourself.