This was great, but the author 'authenticates' it by using the words 'Quadroon' and 'Octaroon' which I don't think kids in the modern world will world will know and shouldn't go around using as they are impolite (besides if they don't know the meaning, they shouldn't use a word anyways!). Also people who aren't doctors might find the grandpa describing the battlefield a little gross. But, overall this was really fun and educational. The girl (Calpurnia) is a little like Darwin. She goes around collecting things, and trying to figure out what they mean with her grandpa, which really displeases her mom. Calpurnia is a very strong character whom we can learn a lot from. even though she is not like most young woman at the time, she does do some of the 'proper' things for a young lady - on her mother's insistence. The relation between Calpurnia and her grandpa is great, but there is not much of a relationship between any other characters. I believe this is fine for kids 10+, IF they can cope with the reading and vocabulary. Also, girls are more likely to enjoy this than boys as the story centers around Calpurnia.