i, too, was required to read this book for 7th grade. At first, i did NOT get into it. i dont like sci-fi very much, and the idea of nuclear bombs scare me. but after a couple chpters, i started to really enjoy it!. I could connect with ann, and found the book very very very suspensful. I think i read it in one night. I did not so much like the ending, because it left the book too open.all in all, it was a great book, and i now have better thoughts on sci-fi!