I read this book because I wanted to make sure that it was appropriate to use as a book for book club for my third grade students. I think it is a great choice for this purpose. Children will need help with some decoding of words and defining some wonderful vocabulary. I loved how Henkes handled the difficult subject matter on many values. The adults in this book are wise and perceptive. They are wonderful examples of how children should be treated with respect to guide them through difficult moments in their young lives. I look forward to the conversations my students with have with each other!