My Son was 10 when he read this book. This is the only book he has literally flung across the room! Let me explain. At the end of the book the girl in the story dies and is creamated and they explain what that means a little. The idea of creamation was not something we had ever discussed and it really upset him. I was baffled by his responce he is normally a very strong young man but this actually brought him to tears. He did not understand why anyone would burn the body of someone they said they loved. he was distrought for days before agreeing to read the rest of this book. Please know he did like the book but that one part can be upsetting and confusing and can easily take a child and their parents off guard if they are not fully prepared. Just know the limits of your child and be there for them to talk to if they do become upset. We have to talk about this stuff with our children eventually why not over a good book. Just be prepared!