Regardless of what has come to light concerning the author and the fact that it is apparently a work of fiction, this has always been one of my all time favorite books. After a recent re-reading of this book, my opinion remains unchanged. It'll make you laugh and make you cry...highlights kindness and cruelty in a simple manner through the eyes of a child. With its message of tolerence one can't help but wonder if Mr. Carter underwent a dramatic change in his beliefs at some point and wrote this as some form of redemption...speculation yes, but the contradiction between author's supposed past and this work is mind blowing.This book ranks among my top five probably of the best books I've read.