I selected this book for my daughter's summer reading based on a school district list of recommended reading. She complained bitterly about it from the start. I assumed it was just because she hadn't given it a chance, so insisted she keep reading it. She is now about 40 pages from the end and just as miserable. I went looking for reviews to see what others were getting from the book and I am just appalled at how poorly received it is!!I will never just trust a school district recommendation again without seeking out reviews or reading it myself!My daughter and I are getting some comic relief from reading the kid reviews...."this book doesn't deserve to be called a book" and "it's drivel" are our favorite comments. And that's from the kids!